Avian influenza outbreak timeline

 

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu is a highly pathogenic disease that mainly affects poultry. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease, and if you suspect any type of the disease in captive birds, you must report it immediately.

  • In you are in England, call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
  • If you are in Wales, call 0300 303 8628.
  • In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office.

If you suspect avian influenza in wild birds, you should call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Find out how our range of biosecurity services and plans can help you mitigate your risks.

avian influenza outbreaks in the UK

Avian flu in Lincolnshire

Near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire

17 April 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a fourth large commercial poultry unit near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire

14 April 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Great Shelford, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around each of the the premises.

 

Avian flu in Lincolnshire

Avian flu in Lincolnshire

Near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire

14 April 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a third premises near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around each of the the premises.

 

Near Market Rasen, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire

11 April 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Market Rasen, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Avian flu in Lincolnshire

UK AIPZ map

Prepare to let birds outside again from 9 April

2 April 2026

Mandatory housing measures for poultry and other captive birds will be lifted in England and Wales from 00:01am on Thursday 9 April 2026.

As birds may have been housed for several months, there is a 7 day notice period to give keepers time to prepare. Keepers should follow the guidance on preparing to let birds outside again, including cleansing and disinfecting hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroducing wild bird deterrents.

Birds must still be housed if you are in a protection zone or captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone. All keepers must continue to follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

Mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place in England, Scotland and Wales.

 

Near Omagh, County Tyrone

5 March 2026

A Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been established around a poultry premises near Omagh, County Tyrone, following preliminary positive results for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1.

 

UK AIPZ map

Yorkshire AI case map image

Near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, North Yorkshire

3 March 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone were declared.

 

Near Ancroft, Northumberland

14 February 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Ancroft, Northumberland, Northumberland. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been put in place.

 

Yorkshire AI case map image

Near Penicuik, Scottish Borders

12 February 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a second premises near Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland.  Following a risk assessment, a 3km Protection Zone (PZ) was declared, but some of the standard PZ measures have not been applied.

 

Near Needham Market, Suffolk

30 January 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a small poultry flock near Needham Market, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk.  A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

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