Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) updated England’s avian influenza situation on 26 February 2026. The 3km protection zone around a premises near Needham Market, Mid Suffolk (AIV 2026/12) has ended and the area now forms part of the surrounding surveillance zone. Keepers should check the live disease zone map before moving birds, eggs or by‑products and follow the relevant declaration for their postcode. (gov.uk)
Several zones were revoked in the preceding week after completion of disease control work and surveillance, including surveillance zones near Dereham (Norfolk) and Newark‑on‑Trent (Nottinghamshire) on 24 February, a third Dereham case on 22 February, and changes around York and Newington (Kent) on 20–19 February. Businesses that previously sat inside these areas should confirm whether any overlapping zones remain in force and continue to apply robust biosecurity. (gov.uk)
Great Britain remains within an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). In England and Wales, mandatory housing applies. Keepers with 50 or more birds must house them. Flocks of fewer than 50 birds kept solely for personal use do not have to be housed. Where fewer than 50 birds are kept but any eggs, birds or products are sold or given away, the flock is classed as poultry and must be housed. England’s AIPZ declaration, updated on 28 January 2026, also sets out limited welfare‑based exemptions for anseriformes, ratites and birds kept for restocking of game, subject to a vet‑endorsed statement. (gov.uk)
When disease is suspected or confirmed, statutory zones are declared. Highly pathogenic cases typically trigger a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone, or a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone for some non‑commercial flocks; low pathogenic cases may carry a 1km restricted zone. Requirements vary by zone but include enhanced biosecurity, record‑keeping and restrictions on movements and gatherings; protection zones add housing and licensing rules for the movement of birds, eggs and poultry meat. (gov.uk)
Movements that are otherwise prohibited inside a control zone may proceed only if they meet the conditions of a published general licence, or under a case‑specific licence issued by APHA where no general licence applies. The collection also lists designated slaughterhouses and explains special health‑marking rules for meat from protection zones, with guidance refreshed on 23 February 2026. Always confirm your zone status and licence conditions before arranging logistics. (gov.uk)
Bird gatherings are allowed on defined terms and never inside an active control zone. Events limited to psittaciformes, birds of prey and racing pigeons may proceed under the general licence, with APHA notified at least seven days in advance. Gatherings that include poultry, anseriformes, passeriformes, most columbiformes or ratites require a specific licence with risk‑mitigation conditions. (gov.uk)
For the 2025 to 2026 season (1 October to 30 September), APHA records 94 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases and one LPAI case across the UK to date: England 74 HPAI and one LPAI; Scotland nine HPAI; Wales seven HPAI; Northern Ireland four HPAI. Previous seasons saw 82 HPAI cases in 2024–25, six in 2023–24, 207 in 2022–23 and 158 in 2021–22. Under World Organisation for Animal Health rules, the UK is not currently free from HPAI. (gov.uk)
Risk remains elevated. APHA continues to assess the risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain as very high. Exposure risk for kept birds is assessed as high where biosecurity is suboptimal and medium where strict biosecurity is consistently applied. UKHSA advises the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency states food safety risk is very low provided poultry and eggs are properly cooked. (gov.uk)
The public should report dead wild birds using the GOV.UK reporting service; not all carcasses will be collected, but submissions support surveillance and targeted testing. Land managers can use Defra’s mitigation strategy and site posters during heightened risk. Within an AIPZ, feeding wild gamebirds is prohibited within 500 metres of premises housing more than 500 birds; household feeders should be kept clean in line with British Trust for Ornithology advice. Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wash hands after any exposure to droppings or feathers. (gov.uk)
Influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable in Great Britain. Veterinarians, laboratories and inspectors must report suspect disease or any detection of influenza A virus or antibodies in wild or kept mammals. Reports should be made to APHA via the Defra Rural Services Helpline in England (03000 200 301), the Welsh helpline (03003 038 268), or to the local APHA Field Services Office in Scotland. (gov.uk)
Vaccination of poultry and most captive birds against avian influenza is not permitted in England. Zoos may apply to APHA for authorisation to vaccinate eligible species, subject to licensing and trade constraints; only collections with a current zoo licence can apply. Government and industry continue to review options through the avian influenza vaccination taskforce and with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. (gov.uk)
These measures sit under long‑standing legislation, including the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006 and later amendments, alongside the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) Regulations 2006. Breaches can lead to enforcement action. Practically, keepers should check the live map daily, read the declaration for their postcode, maintain movement and mortality records, and apply for any required movement or gathering licence before committing to transport or events. (gov.uk)