A new bird flu prevention zone has been ordered to cover the whole of England following an escalating number of bird flu cases.
The bird flu prevention zone came into force on 25 January and requires farmers and keepers to conduct enhanced biosecurity to mitigate the risk of bird flu outbreaks.
Defra said the current risk to human health remains ‘very low’ and as standard, properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
The current outbreak situation
The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 of the current outbreak was confirmed in England on 5 November 2024.
The first case of HPAI H5N1 of the current outbreak was confirmed in:
- England on 17 November 2024
- Scotland on 10 January 2025
Whilst there have been no cases of HPAI confirmed in Wales during this outbreak, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
No cases of HPAI have been confirmed in Northern Ireland this season, and Northern Ireland continues to have WOAH self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The last outbreak of HPAI in poultry and other captive birds in the UK prior to the outbreak on 5 November 2024 occurred on 14 February 2024.
Bird flu prevention zone comes in amid rising cases
News of an England-wide bird flu prevention zone comes just a few days after the disease was confirmed in 1.6 million hens on a commercial poultry farm near Wem, Shropshire. All birds were humanely culled.
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said that given the increasing number of cases such as this, the government was taking further action to try and prevent its further spread.
She commented: “I urge keepers to check which requirements apply to them while continuing to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease, and report suspected disease immediately to APHA.”
What do the new measures mean for bird keepers?
The bird flu prevention zone measures apply to all poultry farmers and bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock.
The government says the measure is essential for protecting flocks from avian influenza.
Bird keepers are being advised to consult Defra’s interactive map to check if they are impacted.
Defra says the bird flu prevention zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of its work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
Other bird flu measures across the country
Elsewhere, a mandatory poultry housing order has been extended in the north of England to now cover York and North Yorkshire.
It also declared a new housing order for Shropshire following an outbreak in the county, which will come into force today.
Mandatory housing for poultry remains in force across East Yorkshire, Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, meaning farmers and keepers need to ensure the strictest levels of biosecurity.
