New cases of avian influenza confirmed across UK

DEFRA confirmed that avian influenza was detected at a premises near Burscough, Lancashire, on 24th October 2025. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the site. 

Bird flu was also confirmed in commercial poultry near Bedale, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire, and near Penrith, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, on 25th October 2025. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared surrounding each of the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled. 

Yesterday, 26th October, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was discovered in commercial poultry at a premises near Lakenheath, Suffolk. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled, DEFRA said. 

Nine cases across the UK

The first case of (HPAI) H5N1 of the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season was confirmed in England on 11th October 2025, in Wales on 25th October and in Northern Ireland on 9th October 2025. No cases have been discovered in Scotland. 

In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, the UK is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

To date there are nine confirmed cases of (HPAI) H5N1 in the UK, including seven in England, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. The season is recorded from October to September each year. 

The 2024 to 2025 outbreak season counted 81 HPAI cases and one LPAI case. 

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures is also in force across Great Britain.

All bird keepers must follow the stringent biosecurity measures in addition to following any zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks. 

Check the disease control zones here to see what restrictions are in place. The biosecurity guidance is available on the government’s website here.

READ MORE: Rise in avian flu cases prompts AIPZ update 

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