Defra confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in commercial poultry at a premises near Penrith, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria (AIV 2025/65) on 18 October 2025. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are in force and all poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Earlier in the week, HPAI H5N1 was confirmed on 13 October 2025 in a commercial flock of more than 10,000 birds near Wybunbury, Cheshire East (AIV 2025/64). The statutory 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones have been declared and culling on the affected premises will proceed.
On 11 October 2025, HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds at a premises near Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire (AIV 2025/63). A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone applies and all poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Defra has also confirmed that, following completion of disease control activities, the surveillance zone linked to the case near Exminster, Teignbridge, Devon (AIV 2025/61) was revoked on 2 October 2025. This reflects the routine step-down once veterinary surveillance meets the required outcomes.
England remains under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures in place until further notice. The measures apply to all bird keepers, from backyard flocks to large commercial units, and are kept under regular review. Additional requirements operate inside protection, surveillance and captive bird zones around infected premises.
The 2025 to 2026 outbreak season began with the first confirmed case in England on 11 October 2025 and a case in Northern Ireland on 9 October 2025. As at 18 October 2025, the UK has recorded four confirmed H5N1 cases this season: three in England and one in Northern Ireland, with no confirmed cases in Scotland or Wales to date. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK is not currently free from HPAI.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency assesses the risk of H5 in wild birds in Great Britain as high. The risk of exposure for poultry is assessed as medium, with medium uncertainty, where biosecurity is suboptimal or poor, and low, with low uncertainty, where stringent biosecurity is consistently applied.
For any premises within a declared disease control zone, movements of poultry, eggs, poultry by-products, faeces, bedding and associated materials are generally prohibited unless covered by a specific licence. Keepers should check licensing requirements before any movement, plan for inspection and documentation, and retain records to demonstrate compliance.
Bird gatherings may proceed only under strict conditions. If a premises is outside any disease control zone in England, organisers may apply for a specific licence for poultry gatherings and must meet the conditions of the general licence for gatherings of other captive birds. Events within control zones are not permitted.
Vaccination of poultry or most captive birds against avian influenza is not permitted in England. Vaccination may be authorised for eligible zoo birds only, subject to application and approval by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Defra continues to fund research and, with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, monitors vaccine development through the avian influenza vaccination taskforce.
Wild bird surveillance and mitigation remain central to the response. The government asks the public and land managers to report dead wild birds via the national reporting service and to follow the mitigation strategy for England and Wales, including displaying official posters where risk is present. Feeding of wild birds is allowed, but rigorous hygiene is essential.
Within an AIPZ, feeding of wild gamebirds is prohibited within 500 metres of any premises housing more than 500 poultry or captive birds. For gardens, the British Trust for Ornithology recommends regular cleaning of feeders and water baths. The UK Health Security Agency continues to assess the public health risk as very low, and the Food Standards Agency advises that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.
Avian influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals. Veterinary professionals and laboratories must report suspected presence or evidence of influenza A virus or antibodies in mammals immediately to the competent authority: 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland. Failure to report is an offence.
Operationally, keepers should confirm zone status using the official disease zone map, implement AIPZ biosecurity measures in full, review supplier and transporter arrangements for licensing needs, pause or relocate gatherings where required, and maintain records to facilitate APHA checks. APHA’s ‘stop the spread’ webinars provide practical guidance for pet bird keepers, backyard flocks and commercial operations.