The UK’s ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to escalate, with five new cases confirmed over the past two days across England, bringing the UK total to 19 cases so far this season.
On 1 November, Defra confirmed new infections at two large commercial poultry units – one near Honington, West Suffolk, and another near Donington, South Holland, Lincolnshire.
A day earlier, on 31 October, three additional outbreaks were detected at large commercial sites near Ormesby St Margaret, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Uckfield, Wealden, East Sussex; and Swineshead, Boston, Lincolnshire.
In Wales, the Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed a second outbreak near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire on 31 October.
In all cases, 3km protection zones and 10km surveillance zones have been declared, and all poultry on affected premises are being humanely culled to prevent further spread.
From 30 October, additional bird housing measures were introduced in high-risk counties – including Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Lancashire, and Yorkshire – requiring all keepers with more than 50 birds, or those selling eggs or poultry products, to keep birds indoors.