Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England

The UK has self-declared freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) for Great Britain on 18 May 2026.

The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds in England, Wales and Scotland was lifted on 4 June 2026.

All bird flu cases and disease control zones

The first case of HPAI H5N1 of the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season was confirmed in:

2025 to 2026: summary of confirmed cases in the UK

Previous outbreak seasons: summary of confirmed cases in the UK

The season is recorded from 1 October to 30 September each year.

Find details and assessments of past outbreaks in Great Britain in the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s outbreak epidemiology reports.

If you are not in a disease control zone (such as a protection zone or surveillance zone) in England, follow the conditions in the general licences for gatherings of poultry and other captive birds.

You cannot vaccinate poultry or most captive birds against bird flu in England.

You can only vaccinate zoo birds in England if you meet eligibility criteria and get authorisation from APHA. Only zoos or collections holding a current zoo licence can apply for vaccination.

Defra continues to invest in bird flu research and monitors the situation globally.

We work with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to monitor the development of vaccines for birds.

The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is assessed as medium (event occurs regularly).

The risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain is assessed as:

Find details of the evidence that supported these decisions in the:

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.