Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): Latest Situation in England
February 8, 2025
The UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued an update on the latest situation regarding bird flu (avian influenza) in England.
Latest Confirmed Cases
Since the first confirmed case of bird flu in England on 23rd October 2022, there have been 33 confirmed cases in poultry and captive birds in England.
The most recent confirmed cases include two cases in captive birds in Lincolnshire, reported on 6th February 2025, and one case in poultry in Norfolk, reported on 2nd February 2025.
Protection Zones and Surveillance Zones
Following the recent confirmed cases of bird flu, DEFRA has declared Protection Zones (PZs) and Surveillance Zones (SZs) around the affected premises.
PZs are declared around an infected premises, while SZs are declared around PZs, creating an area with increased surveillance and biosecurity measures in place.
Disease Control Measures
DEFRA has taken a number of measures to control the spread of bird flu, including:
- Implementing movement restrictions in areas affected by the disease
- Implementing strict biosecurity measures for poultry and captive bird keepers
- Implementing a surveillance program to monitor the spread of the disease
- Culling infected birds and cleaning and disinfecting premises
Public Health Risk
Public Health England (PHE) has advised that the risk to the public from bird flu is very low. However, people are advised not to touch or pick up dead or sick birds and to report any findings to DEFRA or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Advice for Poultry and Captive Bird Keepers
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to take the following steps to prevent the spread of bird flu:
- Practice good biosecurity, including frequent cleaning and disinfection of equipment and premises
- Keep birds indoors or under cover to reduce contact with wild birds
- Avoid introducing new birds to your flock
- Report any signs of disease immediately to DEFRA or APHA
Further Information
For more information and advice on bird flu, poultry keepers and the public can visit the DEFRA website: www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
DEFRA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates.
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
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