Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
11 February 2025
The government is reminding bird keepers to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza and to maintain good biosecurity, following the confirmation of an outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in a commercial poultry flock in Suffolk.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which requires all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures, remains in place. This means that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease, including:
• Keeping birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds • Cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear and equipment • Minimising movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry or other birds are kept • Implementing effective vermin control
The government is working closely with the poultry industry to control the outbreak. A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises. All poultry within the Protection Zone have been culled, and all poultry within the Surveillance Zone are being tested.
The risk to public health from avian influenza is very low. However, the Food Standards Agency is advising that poultry meat, eggs and other poultry products are safe to eat.
The government is urging bird keepers to report any suspected cases of avian influenza to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 03000 200 301.
For more information on avian influenza, please visit the APHA website: www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Additional information
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect both domestic and wild birds. The virus can be spread through contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of avian influenza in birds can include:
• Sudden death • Respiratory problems (e.g. coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing) • Nervous signs (e.g. tremors, circling, head tilt) • Diarrhoea • Egg production problems
If you suspect that your birds may have avian influenza, it is important to contact your vet immediately.
The government is taking a number of steps to control the outbreak of avian influenza, including:
• Restricting the movement of poultry and other birds • Culling infected birds • Disinfecting premises • Implementing biosecurity measures
The government is also working with the poultry industry to develop a vaccine for avian influenza.
The government is urging bird keepers to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza and to maintain good biosecurity. This will help to protect your birds from the disease and prevent its spread.
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
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