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 South Kesteven, Lincolnshire

5 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a small commercial poultry flock near Corby Glen, South Kesteven, Lincolnshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Near Wyre, Lancashire

5 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds near Preesall, Wyre, Lancashire. A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been declared around the premises.

 

Avian flu in Lincolnshire

UK AIPZ map

Mandatory housing measures for all kept birds and poultry are to come into force across Northern Ireland

5 November 2025

Mandatory housing measures for all kept birds and poultry are to come into force across Northern Ireland (NI) from 00:01 on Thursday 06 November 2025.

This is to mitigate against any incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) into our domestic poultry sector.

The housing order supplements the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) introduced on 1 November 2025 and legally requires all bird keepers, including owners of pet birds, commercial flocks, backyard and hobby flocks, to keep birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds.

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry will also be implemented.

 

AIPZ housing measures from 6 November 2025

5 November 2025

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). By law you must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

There are some areas in the AIPZ in England where you already have to house your birds. From 00:01 on Thursday 6 November 2025, mandatory housing measures will be extended to the whole of England.

You will have to house your birds in England if you keep either:

  • more than 50 birds of any species – including poultry and other captive birds
  • any number of poultry

Poultry are birds that are kept to give away or sell:

  • eggs
  • poultry products
  • live birds

You do not have to house your birds if you keep less than 50 birds and their eggs or poultry products are for your own use only.

 

UK AIPZ map

AI map near Norwich

Near Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk

4 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a large commercial poultry premises near Wells-Next-The-Sea, North Norfolk, Norfolk. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. 

 

Near Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh

3 November 2025

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

 

AI map near Norwich

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 confirmed on premises near Rye, East Sussex

Near Wealden, East Sussex

3 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds near Danehill, Wealden, East Sussex. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the premises. 

 

Near Crediton, Mid Devon, Devon

3 November 2025

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

 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 confirmed on premises near Rye, East Sussex

Avian Influenza Hambleton, North Yorkshire

Near Thirsk, North Yorkshire

3 November 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a large commercial poultry unit near Thirsk, Thirsk and Malton, North Yorkshire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around each premises.

 

Near Pomeroy, County Tyrone

2 November 2025

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

 

Avian Influenza Hambleton, North Yorkshire