Defra has confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 at a large commercial poultry unit near Brandon, West Suffolk – the latest in a growing number of cases across England this season.
A 3km protection zone and a wider 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the affected premises, where all birds will be humanely culled to prevent the spread of infection.
This marks the ninth confirmed case in England since the start of the 2025–26 outbreak season, bringing the UK total to 11 cases. Wales and Northern Ireland have each reported one case so far this season, while Scotland remains free of detections.
From Thursday 30 October, new mandatory housing measures came into force in parts of England as part of the ongoing avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ).
Keepers in 20 high-risk counties, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire, are now required to house their birds.
The government continues to urge bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of bird flu and to report suspected cases immediately. Enhanced biosecurity remains mandatory across the country under the current AIPZ.
The UK officially lost its status as free from highly pathogenic avian influenza earlier this month under World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, following the first confirmed case in England on 11 October 2025.