The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed the presence of avian influenza highly pathogenic in poultry in England.
The strains detected include HPAI H5N1 and HPAI H5N5, which has led to the implementation of strict control measures to prevent the spread of this disease.
Containment measures
To contain the outbreak, all birds at the affected facilities will be humanely culled. In addition, a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established around the affected sites.
Within these zones, restrictions apply to the movement of birds, eggs, carcasses and manure.. Breeders can apply permits for some specific low-risk movements, while in the protection zone it is required that the birds are housed indoors to minimize exposure.
Defra has explained that these measures will remain in place until surveillance in the affected areas is completed and no new suspected cases are detected. Therefore, breeders must be alert to any signs of disease in their birds and immediately report any suspicions to the relevant authorities.
In the current context, the risk of avian influenza has increased significantly in both wild and poultry. During the autumn, HPAI H5N1 and H5N5 strains have been detected in wild birds across Europe, including Great Britain. For poultry with adequate biosecurity measures, the risk level has moved from very low to low, while in facilities with poor practices the risk has increased to medium.
Biosecurity is the most effective tool to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Breeders must take extreme preventive measures, such as constant disinfection of equipment, control of access to facilities and correct handling of animals. In this winter season, which presents a higher risk, reinforcing these practices is essential both to protect the health of the birds and to avoid significant economic losses.
Low health risk
Authorities have stressed that the risk to public health is very low. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), bird flu is primarily a disease of birds., although it is recommended not to touch sick or dead wild birds. Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that poultry and poultry products, such as eggs, are safe to eat if cooked properly.
Defra encourages the public to report the death of wild birds through their online system or by calling the helpline. These reports help authorities assess the risks and protect both poultry and other species. Breeders can also register their birds and receive frequent updates on risk levels and new preventive measures.
Mandatory notification
In England, bird flu is a notifiable disease. Any suspicions must be reported to the relevant helplines, as failure to do so is a legal offence. In addition, breeders can consult Defra's official guidance for symptoms, how to prevent bird flu and how to protect other pets, such as cats and dogs, from potential infection.
Defra’s approach is based on experience from previous outbreaks and international best practice in disease control. The strategy includes constant surveillance, preventative measures based on scientific evidence and close collaboration with breeders, veterinarians and animal health experts.
For further information, farmers and the general public can visit Defra's official website, where they will find up-to-date resources on avian influenza, interactive maps to check control zones and alerts on recent outbreaks.
