Defra and the devolved administrations have confirmed further highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) cases between 3 and 9 November 2025. New 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones are in force around affected premises, alongside the Great Britain avian influenza prevention zone. England has also introduced mandatory housing measures within the AIPZ from 6 November 2025.
On 9 November 2025, H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Welshpool, Powys (AIV 2025/95). A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared and, owing to proximity to the border, part of the surveillance zone extends into England. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled in line with APHA procedures.
On 8 November 2025, H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Hallow, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (AIV 2025/94). The site is under 3km/10km controls and culling will be undertaken. On 7 November, England recorded cases at large commercial premises near Feltwell and Attleborough in Norfolk, near Alford in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, and a second premises near Thirsk, North Yorkshire (AIV 2025/90–93).
Following official laboratory confirmation by the National Reference Laboratory at Weybridge, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland confirmed H5N1 at commercial premises near Pomeroy, County Tyrone, and near Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh. Temporary control zones were revoked and replaced by 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones in both areas.
On 6 November 2025, Wales confirmed H5N1 in a large commercial flock near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire (AIV 2025/88). England confirmed infection in a small non‑commercial flock near Kirkham, Fylde, Lancashire (AIV 2025/89). Both locations are now under statutory 3km/10km controls and affected birds will be culled.
On 5 November 2025, H5N1 was detected in captive birds near Preesall, Wyre, Lancashire (AIV 2025/86), with a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone in place. A small commercial flock near Corby Glen, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire (AIV 2025/87), entered standard protection and surveillance controls. APHA revoked the 10km surveillance zone around a previous case near Wetheral, Cumberland, Cumbria (AIV 2025/62) following successful disease control and surveillance.
On 4 November 2025, a large commercial site near Wells‑next‑the‑Sea, North Norfolk, came under 3km/10km controls. On 3 November 2025, large units near Thirsk, North Yorkshire (AIV 2025/82), and near Crediton, Mid Devon (AIV 2025/84), were confirmed. A captive‑bird case near Danehill, Wealden, East Sussex (AIV 2025/83), led to a 3km captive bird monitoring zone. APHA also revoked a 3km captive bird monitoring zone around a second premises near Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire (AIV 2025/63).
As of 9 November 2025, the current outbreak season (October 2025 to September 2026) has recorded 36 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases across the UK: 28 in England, five in Wales and three in Northern Ireland. Scotland has reported no cases to date. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK is no longer considered free from HPAI. For context, the 2024 to 2025 season recorded 81 HPAI and one LPAI case; 2023 to 2024 recorded six HPAI; 2022 to 2023 recorded 207 HPAI and one LPAI; and 2021 to 2022 recorded 158 HPAI.
Great Britain remains within an avian influenza prevention zone. In England, mandatory housing measures apply from 6 November 2025. Keepers with more than 50 birds must house them, regardless of species. Keepers with fewer than 50 birds who sell or give away eggs, meat or live birds must also house them, as those birds are classed as poultry. Keepers with fewer than 50 birds for personal use only are not required to house them but must maintain strong biosecurity as set out in Defra guidance.
Disease control zones carry legal restrictions on movements of poultry, other captive birds, eggs, used bedding, manure and related products. Movement licences may be required; keepers should verify licence requirements before any movement and should keep full records while a zone is in force. Access to premises should be limited to essential personnel only, and cleansing and disinfection obligations apply to vehicles, equipment and footwear.
Bird gatherings are permitted in England only outside disease control zones and subject to licensing conditions. Organisers may apply for a specific licence for poultry gatherings or rely on the general licence for other captive birds where all conditions are met. Where mandatory housing applies within the AIPZ, gatherings for most poultry types are not permitted.
Vaccination of poultry and most captive birds against avian influenza is not permitted in England. Zoos and licensed collections may apply to the Animal and Plant Health Agency for authorisation to vaccinate eligible birds. Defra and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate continue to assess vaccine development and coordinate the avian influenza vaccination taskforce.
Risk assessments published by government state the risk of H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is very high. The risk of exposure for kept birds is high where biosecurity is suboptimal and low where strict biosecurity is maintained, with high uncertainty attached to both estimates. UKHSA assesses the risk to the general public as very low. The Food Standards Agency advises that properly cooked poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat and that the food safety risk is very low.
Guidance for wild birds remains in place. The public and land managers should not touch sick or dead wild birds and should report findings via official channels. Within an AIPZ, feeding wild gamebirds is prohibited within 500 metres of any premises housing more than 500 poultry or captive birds. Garden feeding is permitted; feeders and water baths should be cleaned regularly in line with British Trust for Ornithology advice, and good hand hygiene is essential after contact with wild birds or droppings.
Avian influenza of avian origin can infect wild and kept mammals and is notifiable in both. Veterinary professionals and laboratories must report immediately if infection is suspected or if evidence of influenza A virus or antibodies is detected in a mammal or carcase. Reports should be made by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or the relevant Field Services Office in Scotland. Failure to report is a breach of law.
The statutory basis for control in England includes the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 and subsequent amendments, the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006, the Avian Influenza (Vaccination) (England) Regulations 2006, the Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) Orders of 2006 and 2021, successive Exotic Disease (Amendment) Orders from 2018 to 2024, and legislation covering cleansing, disinfection and approved disinfectants. Equivalent frameworks apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
APHA will continue to issue and revoke control zones as surveillance results are confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory at Weybridge and by the devolved administrations. Keepers should check the official disease zone map and live cases information before moving birds, eggs, litter or equipment, and use government ‘Stop the spread’ webinars to review and strengthen biosecurity and housing plans for the winter period.