Important
If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling Defra on 03000 200 301
Any dead waterfowl or wild birds that you find on your land must be reported to Defra so they can be tested.
Avian Influenza in 2024/25 – latest information
First case of avian influenza confirmed in Yorkshire
5 November 2024: The first case of HPAI H5N5 of the winter 2024/25 season has been confirmed in a commercial poultry premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire. The NFU's AI case finder has been updated with the key details.
This means Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza. Northern Ireland continues to have self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Bird keepers urged to remain vigilant as risk levels increase
5 November 2024: GOV.UK has increased the risk level of HPAI H5 in wild birds from medium to high. This comes after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 and H5N1 were detected in a number of wild birds in Great Britain during the autumn.
The risk level in poultry has increased from very low to low (with low uncertainty) where good biosecurity is applied at all times. Where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity, the risk level remains assessed as low, but heightened (with high uncertainty).
As reported on GOV.UK, in recent years findings of HPAI in wild birds have been dominated by H5N1. However, the finding of HPAI H5N5 was likely this season and follows previous findings in Great Britain and recent detections of the strain in continental Europe.
Find out more at: GOV.UK | Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
Bird keepers are urged to remain vigilant and practise stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.
All bird keepers must also register on the GB poultry register – a new requirement that came into force on 1 October.
To keep up to date with the latest cases as they happen head over to our latest news page.
Current risk levels
The risk levels are currently:
- High in wild birds
- For poultry and other captive birds –
- Medium where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity (including biosecurity breaches).
- Low where good biosecurity is applied at all times.
More information on the current risk level can be found by visiting: Avian influenza (bird flu): Risk level | GOV.UK.
Following producer feedback on sharing best practice, the APHA and Poultry Health and Welfare Group, of which the NFU is a member, have jointly compiled a photobook showing examples of biosecurity best practice.
It includes common biosecurity breaches to help poultry keepers identify potential improvements to their own biosecurity.
NFU members: Download a copy of the biosecurity photobook.
Bird gatherings
Bird gatherings include (but are not limited to) fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. In addition, vehicles used to transport live poultry where the birds are brought together from multiple premises (so called many-to-one or many-to-many activities) are also considered gatherings.
Detailed information on what does and not does qualify as a poultry gathering in England can be found at: General licence to arrange a fair, market, show, exhibition or other gathering involving the collecting together of poultry or captive birds in England | GOV.UK
Information on the rules in Wales can be found at: General licence to arrange a fair, market, show, exhibition or other gathering involving the collecting together of captive birds in Wales | GOV.WALES
Currently, the risk of introduction and spread of avian influenza (H5N1) during bird gatherings in Great Britain is assessed as low for all species including anseriformes (ducks and geese).
From 26 April 2024, gatherings of all species, including ducks, geese and swans are permitted in GB providing:
- The requirements of the poultry gathering general licence have been met.
- APHA is notified of the gathering at least seven days before the event takes place.
Find out more on the rules about bird gatherings in England: Guidance: Hold a bird gathering | GOV.UK
For the rules in Scotland, please visit: Bird gatherings: guidance | GOV.SCOT
The rules in Wales can be found at: Bird gatherings: general licence for gatherings | GOV.WALES
Quick links to Defra's guidance
We've provided useful links to help you navigate around GOV.UK:
- Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot it and report it | GOV.UK
- Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading | GOV.UK
- Bird flu (avian influenza): housing your birds safely | GOV.UK
- Bird flu: rules in disease control and prevention zones in England | GOV.UK
- What happens when you report a notifiable disease in your animals | GOV.UK
- Bird flu: rules if you keep game birds | GOV.UK
- Bird flu (avian influenza): cases in wild birds | GOV.UK
- Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England | GOV.UK
- For Defra’s list of approved disinfectants, visit: Disinfectants Approved for use in England, Scotland and Wales: Defra
- For information on how compensation is calculated for poultry culled to control the spread of Avian Influenza, visit: Compensation for animals culled to control animal diseases - GOV.UK
AI – the situation as it has developed
The Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed the first case of HPAI H5N5 of the season in a commercial poultry premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire.
The risk levels have raised to high for wild birds. For poultry, the levels have been increased to low, but heightened, where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity, and low where good biosecurity is applied at all times.
Visit: GOV.UK | Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
The government has increased the risk level of HPAI H5 in wild birds from low to medium. This comes after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was detected in a number of wild birds in Great Britain during the autumn.
Find out more at: GOV.UK | Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
The rules around bird gatherings across GB were amended so that gatherings of all poultry and other captive birds, including ducks, geese and swans are now permitted. Read: Bird gatherings
Following a period of no outbreaks across the country, the UK government has self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, in line with WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) rules.
The rules around bird gatherings in Wales were amended. Read: Bird gatherings
The rules around bird gatherings in Scotland were amended. Read: Bird gatherings
The rules around bird gatherings in England were amended to allow gatherings of Galliforme poultry and Galliforme birds. Read: Bird gatherings
The AIPZ in place across Great Britain was lifted by the United Kingdom's Chief Veterinary Officer. Read: Nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in Great Britain lifted
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry in England and Wales have been removed, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
View the announcement at: GOV.UK | Bird keepers must maintain scrupulous biosecurity standards as housing measures set to be lifted
The announcement from the Welsh Government can be read at: GOV.WALES | Avian Influenza: Housing Order to be lifted on 18 April
The grace period for 'free range eggs' ends in the rest of England. Read: Avian influenza and 'free range' status – what does the law say?
The grace period for Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex ended.
Under the relevant legislation, eggs that are laid after the grace period ends that are from hens which continue to be housed, can no longer be marketed as 'free range' eggs and must be labeled as 'barn eggs' instead. Read: Avian influenza and 'free range' status – what does the law say?
The AIPZ was updated to introduce a 21 day standstill rule for all game birds that are caught up in the open season. Read: Avian influenza and game bird shoots – what's permitted?
NFU Cymru welcomed news that mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of Wales from Friday 2 December as a protection against Avian Influenza.
The news comes shortly after NFU Cymru wrote to Welsh Government requesting that mandatory housing measures be urgently introduced. Visit: NFU Cymru welcomes Avian Influenza housing order for birds in Wales
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds were introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a decision by the United Kingdom’s Chief Veterinary Officer. View the declaration at Defra | Declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone -
including housing measures (England)
A nationwide AIPZ (Avian Influenza Prevention Zone) has been declared across Great Britain. It's now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. Read: Nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared | NFUonline.com
Regional housing measures came into effect on Wednesday 12 October 2022 for parts of the east of England. The housing measures came into force from 00.01 on 12 October and build on the strengthened biosecurity measures brought in as part of the AIPZ (Avian Influenza Prevention Zone) on 27 September 2022, covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex. Read: AIPZ in east of England including new housing measures | NFUonline.com
Defra declared the start of the 2022/2023 avian influenza outbreak. The 2021/2022 came to a close on 30 September. These are dates that authorities use for reporting means, although cases continued throughout both periods.
A regional AIPZ was declared covering Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex. The AIPZ in the east of England was active from 12noon on the 27 September. Read: Regional AIPZ declared | NFUonline
The risk of avian influenza was reduced to low for all poultry. Defra confirmed that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone for poultry and captive birds would be lifted at midday on 16 August.
Mandatory housing measures were lifted. Poultry and other captive birds no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone, and are allowed to be kept outside.
Mandatory housing measures came into force across the UK – all captive bird keepers are required to house their birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza. This is in addition to the biosecurity measures already in place as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone that came into force on 3 November.
An enhanced Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was introduced in parts of North Yorkshire. This included mandatory housing for all captive birds within the area. Please note, this housing order is now mandatory across Great Britain.
The first general licence was published. There are currently six general licences in place for a range of activities. For more information on these and individual movement licensing please visit the licensing page on NFUonline.
The government announced that gatherings of poultry, galliforme or anserisforme birds were no longer permitted in England and Wales.
A nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across England, Scotland and Wales. This includes stricter measures on biosecurity to prevent the spread of AI.
The first case of highly pathogenic H5N1 was confirmed in Great Britain. To stay up to date with the latest cases as they happen, head over to our latest news page.
Keeping your birds safe
Only 1g of infected faeces is required to cause one million birds to die, therefore keeping everything that is going in and out of the shed to a minimum and as clean as possible, is the only way to minimise the risk of AI.
Defra has put together some guidance on biosecurity and preventing disease in a Prevention Zone which has good biosecurity points worth following.
The chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, advises the following:
- Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry are kept to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products and using effective vermin control
- Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- Keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry housing or enclosures
- Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.
“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”
Your health and wellbeing
Your health and wellbeing matters.
It is understandable, during these times, to feel an increase in stress or anxiety. There are a number of rural charities and support networks that can offer help to those in need.
If you are struggling or know someone who is, know that you are not alone and the below helplines are here to support:
- FCN: 03000 111 999
- RABI: 0808 281 9490
- DPJ Foundation: 0800 587 4262
- YANA: 0300 3230 400
RABI has created an online farming community where you can access free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support from any device – Online wellbeing support and counselling for farming people.
Farmwell has also published useful personal resilience guidance.
The Prince's Countryside Fund has a list of Farm Support Groups, local organisations and charities working across the UK, supporting people working in agriculture and rural communities.
Public information on reporting
Members of the public are encouraged to report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) helpline on 0300 303 8268.
If you’re concerned with the health of any of your own birds please contact your veterinary surgeon, or if you think they are showing signs of disease please contact your local APHA office.