Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation
19 May 2025
New Cases in England
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset (AIV 2025/44). A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises (effective from 19:35 on 18 May 2025). The affected birds on the premises will be humanely culled.
Case Update England
Following the successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zone surrounding the sixth premises near Thirsk, Thirsk & Malton, Yorkshire (AIV 2025/42) the 10km surveillance zone surrounding each premises has been revoked (effective from 15:30 on 14 May 2025).
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All bird keepers are urged to remain vigilant and take action to protect their birds in response to the ongoing risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
To mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) mandating enhanced biosecurity are in force across the UK (separate AIPZs are declared in each administration).
However, following a reduction in risk levels the mandatory AIPZ housing measures which have been in force across the highest risk areas of England will be lifted from 00:01 on 15 May 2025. Mandatory AIPZ housing measures in Northern Ireland were lifted on the 10 May 2025.
Additional controls and mandatory housing for poultry and other captive birds continues to apply in any 3km Protection Zone or 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone in place surrounding premises where HPAI has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds.
Keepers can check if they are in an avian influenza disease control or prevention zone in GB using the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) interactive map and in Northern Ireland using DAERA’s interactive map
Further information on the measures that apply in disease control zones can be found in Defra’s Bird flu: rules in disease control zones in England - GOV.UK guidance and the zone declarations available via the notifiable disease case finder on gov.uk.
Disease control zones will remain in place until all disease control and surveillance activities in the zones have been successfully completed and there are no suspect cases are under investigation in the zones.
Details of the current national risk levels for avian influenza can be found at gov.uk/birdflu with further information on the evidence which supports these levels available in APHA’s risk and outbreak assessments.
Practicing good biosecurity at all times protects the health and welfare of birds and for commercial keepers will help protect their business from HPAI and other diseases.
For further information on the latest situation and guidance including on what bird keepers can do to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading, how to house birds to protect their health and welfare during outbreaks, and how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds see gov.uk/birdflu