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 Sudbrooke, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire

6 December 2025

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

 

Near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire

5 December 2025

HPAI H5N1 was confirmed at a third large commercial poultry premises near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Avian flu in Lincolnshire

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

Near Newington, Kent

3 December 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a second large commercial poultry premises near Newington, Swale, Kent. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Chedburgh, Suffolk

3 December 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard flock of poultry and captive birds near Chedburgh, West Suffolk, Suffolk. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

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

bird flu outbreak lancashire

Near Alderley Edge, Cheshire

2 December 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard flock of captive birds near Alderley Edge, Cheshire East, Cheshire. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Breckland, Norfolk

30 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a large commercial poultry unit at a second premises near Mundford, Breckland, Norfolk. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. 

 

bird flu outbreak lancashire

AI map Near Mendip, Somerset

Near Mendip, Somerset

29 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a large commercial poultry premises near Ashcott, Wells and Mendip Hills, Somerset. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire

28 November 2025

HPAI H5N1 was confirmed at a second large commercial poultry unit near Gainsborough, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

AI map Near Mendip, Somerset

Cambridgeshire AI pam image

Near Ely, Cambridgeshire

27 November 2025

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

 

Near Hythe, Kent

25 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in large commercial poultry premises near Lydd, Folkstone and Hythe, Kent. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. 

 

Cambridgeshire AI pam image