Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have revoked the 10km surveillance zones around a second and a third infected premises near York following completion of cleansing and negative surveillance. The update, issued on 27 February 2026, keeps national prevention measures in place while removing local restrictions at those sites. (gov.uk)
Further easing earlier in the week saw APHA end the 3km protection zone at Needham Market in Suffolk on 26 February, and revoke 10km surveillance zones in Dereham, Norfolk and near Newark‑on‑Trent, Nottinghamshire on 24 February, following successful controls and surveillance at each site. Case notices for the affected premises remain the formal record. (gov.uk)
Mandatory housing remains in the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) for England and Wales. Keepers with 50 or more birds must house them; those with fewer than 50 birds for private use only are not required to house, while small flocks whose products are sold or given away are treated as ‘poultry’ and must be housed. Exemptions for certain anseriformes and ratites may be granted on welfare grounds, subject to a signed veterinary statement. (gov.uk)
Where local zones are lifted, routine trade can resume provided no other restrictions apply. Keepers must still verify their status on the Defra disease map and check whether any movement remains licensable. General licences allow low‑risk movements in disease zones where conditions are met; otherwise a specific licence is required. (gov.uk)
APHA’s current assessment cites an elevated risk in wild birds and stresses that biosecurity standards determine exposure risk for poultry. UKHSA advises the risk to the general public remains very low, and the Food Standards Agency confirms properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. (gov.uk)
Bird gatherings can proceed outside disease control zones under a general licence for psittaciformes, birds of prey, passeriformes and columbiformes; gatherings involving poultry species such as galliformes, anseriformes or ratites require a specific licence. Organisers must notify APHA at least seven days in advance and meet licence conditions. (gov.uk)
For the 2025 to 2026 season to date, the UK has recorded 94 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases (England 74, Scotland 9, Wales 7, Northern Ireland 4) and one LPAI case in England. Historical totals show higher peaks in 2021 to 2023 and a smaller wave in 2023 to 2024. (gov.uk)
Vaccination of poultry or most captive birds is not permitted in England; vaccination is only authorised for eligible zoo birds with APHA approval. A cross‑government and industry task force continues to evaluate preventive vaccination options and associated trade, surveillance and legislative requirements. (gov.uk)
Defra’s wild bird mitigation strategy sets out actions for land managers and local authorities, including proportionate carcass management and signage to reduce transmission risks while protecting public health and the wider environment. Members of the public should report dead wild birds via GOV.UK and avoid handling sick or dead birds. (gov.uk)
Influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable. Vets, laboratories and wildlife professionals must report suspected or detected infections in wild or kept mammals immediately to the competent authority; failure to do so is an offence. APHA publishes confirmed non‑avian wildlife findings to inform surveillance. (gov.uk)
The control regime is underpinned by existing legislation including the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No. 2) Order 2006, the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006 and the Avian Influenza (Vaccination) (England) Regulations 2006, alongside subsequent amendment orders. Local authorities enforce compliance. (gov.uk)
Operationally, keepers should maintain housing where required, keep visitor access tightly controlled, segregate feed and water from wild birds, cleanse and disinfect vehicles and equipment, and retain movement and cleansing records to support any licence applications. Zone revocations reduce local burdens but do not remove AIPZ duties. (gov.uk)