Bird flu outbreak: New cases of HPAI confirmed
30th July 2025
An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in the UK, with recent cases discovered near Dulverton, Somerset.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Last week, avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was also confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Tow Law, Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
England is in the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), with mandatory biosecurity measures. Poultry gatherings remain banned.
These measures will be in place until further notice. DEFRA said that they will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
Additional measures apply in disease control zones surrounding infected premises where HPAI has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds. These measures apply to all bird keepers.
Latest outbreak
DEFRA said that the first case of HPAI H5N1 of the current outbreak was confirmed in England on 17th November 2024, in Scotland on 10th January 2025, in Northern Ireland on 12th February 2025, and in Wales on 24th June 2025.
In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
On 9th June 2025, WOAH approved and published a self-declaration of the recovery of freedom from infection with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAI) in poultry for the zone of Northern Ireland.
READ MORE: Regulations amended to support poultry farmers during bird flu outbreaks
READ MORE: £35k raised for farmer who had to cull 5k hens due to bird flu
Read more livestock news.
