Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to affect poultry across the UK, with several new cases confirmed in recent days, bringing the total number of confirmed cases this outbreak season to 73.
The most recent case was confirmed on 21 December at a large commercial poultry flock near Market Rasen in West Lindsey, Lincolnshire.
On 20 December, HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard flock near Bicester in Cherwell, Oxfordshire. On the same day, a second large commercial poultry flock near Dereham in Breckland, Norfolk, also tested positive for the virus. Authorities have imposed a three-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone around the Norfolk site, and all birds on the premises will be culled.
Earlier in the week, on 18 December, the virus was confirmed at a large commercial poultry flock near Brockworth in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, as well as at a large commercial poultry flock near Penicuik in the Scottish Borders.
The UK remains under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, which has been in force across England, Scotland and Wales since November. Mandatory housing measures continue to apply in England and Wales, requiring many poultry keepers to house their birds and to follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to reduce the risk of further spread.
Government figures for the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season show that 60 cases have been confirmed in England, two in Scotland, seven in Wales and four in Northern Ireland, bringing the UK total to 73. Under international animal health rules, the UK is no longer considered free from highly pathogenic avian influenza, and poultry keepers are being urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases immediately.