A new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry near Hallow, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, the latest in a series of infections affecting flocks across the UK this autumn.
The case, confirmed on 8 November, brings the total number of confirmed outbreaks in the 2025–2026 bird flu season to 35 across the UK. The total includes 28 in England, 4 in Wales, and 3 in Northern Ireland, with no cases yet detected in Scotland.
The latest confirmation follows several outbreaks reported in early November, including four large commercial poultry premises in Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and North Yorkshire on 7 November, and further cases in Wales, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire earlier in the week. Two additional outbreaks were confirmed in Northern Ireland, near Pomeroy in County Tyrone and Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh.
On 6 November, the chief veterinary officer for Wales confirmed HPAI H5N1 in a large commercial flock near Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, as well as in a smaller non-commercial flock near Kirkham, Lancashire. Both sites are under disease control zones, and culling is underway.
Across Great Britain, avian influenza prevention zones (AIPZs) remain in force. Mandatory housing measures are now required in England for most bird keepers to reduce contact between domestic birds and wild waterfowl, which are believed to be driving the spread of infection.