Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): Latest Situation in England
Date: February 16, 2025
Source: GOV.UK
Summary:
The UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has released an update on the latest situation regarding bird flu (avian influenza) in England. The update provides information on the current number of cases, the measures being taken to control the outbreak, and the latest advice for poultry keepers and the general public.
Current Situation:
As of February 16, 2025, there have been 16 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England in the following locations:
- Cambridgeshire
- Cornwall
- Cumbria
- Devon
- Dorset
- Essex
- Gloucestershire
- Hertfordshire
- Lancashire
- Lincolnshire
- Northumberland
- Nottinghamshire
- Shropshire
- Somerset
- Staffordshire
- Suffolk
Control Measures:
DEFRA is working closely with poultry farmers and industry stakeholders to implement a range of measures to control the outbreak, including:
- Restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products
- Establishing protection zones around infected premises
- Implementing enhanced biosecurity measures
- Rapid depopulation of infected flocks
- Surveillance and testing to identify and contain further cases
Advice for Poultry Keepers:
DEFRA strongly advises all poultry keepers to:
- Maintain high levels of biosecurity to prevent the introduction of the virus
- Keep poultry indoors or use protective netting
- Limit contact with wild birds
- Clean and disinfect equipment and clothing regularly
- Report any suspicious signs of disease immediately
Advice for the General Public:
The risk to human health from bird flu is considered to be very low. However, the public is advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and to report any sightings to DEFRA.
Additional Information:
- The H5N1 strain of avian influenza is highly contagious and can be fatal to poultry.
- It can also be spread to other bird species, including wild birds.
- The virus is not known to be transmissible to humans through the consumption of poultry products, but it can be spread through direct contact with infected birds or their feces.
- DEFRA is working with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and other international organizations to monitor the global situation and share information on the outbreak.
Resources:
- GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza
- DEFRA: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-and-rural-affairs
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE): www.oie.int/en/
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
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