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

UK AIPZ map

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will be introduced in Northern Ireland on Saturday 1st November 2025

28 October 2025

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will be introduced in Northern Ireland from 00:01 on Saturday 1 November 2025.

The AIPZ places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in Northern Ireland to follow strict biosecurity measures.  This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard or hobby flock.

There is currently no requirement for poultry to be housed, and bird gatherings are not prohibited at this stage, but this will be kept under constant review.

 

Housing measures introduced to protect poultry and other captive birds in England

28 October 2025

UK Chief Veterinary Officer puts in place mandatory housing for poultry in North, Central and East of England. Measures will take effect from 30 October 2025 and applies to keepers of more than 50 birds and any sellers of poultry products.

 

UK AIPZ map

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Hythe, Kent

Near Newington, Kent

27 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Newington, Swale, Kent. A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Lakenheath, Suffolk

26 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Lakenheath, West Suffolk, Suffolk. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises.

 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Hythe, Kent

highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed on second premises near Copeland, Cumbria.

Near Penrith, Cumbria

25 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a second premises near Penrith, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared surrounding each of the premises. 

 

Near Bedale, North Yorkshire

25 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Bedale, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared surrounding each of the premises.

 

highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed on second premises near Copeland, Cumbria.

avian influenza confirmed in Lancaster lancashire

Near Burscough, Lancashire

24 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Burscough, West Lancashire, Lancashire. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Penrith, Cumbria

18 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Penrith, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria. This was a commercial flock with more than 10,000 birds. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises.

 

avian influenza confirmed in Lancaster lancashire

bird flu outbreak lancashire

Near Wybunbury, Cheshire

13 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in poultry at a premises near Wybunbury, Cheshire East, Cheshire. This was a commercial flock with more than 300,000 birds. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises.

 

Near Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire

11 October 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds at a premises near Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the premises.

 

bird flu outbreak lancashire