The UK's Summer HPAI H5 Surge In Poultry - Defra Issue Alert 8/20 - 15th Summer Outbreak Aug 31st

[Michael Coston]

The UK's Summer HPAI H5 Surge In Poultry

HPAI H5 Outbreaks July 25th-30th

#18,817

Typically summer is a slow time for avian flu, particularly in temperate zones. Over the past week, however, the UK has reported no fewer than 4 new HPAI H5 outbreaks in poultry, scattered across their Kingdom.

This is a significant uptick, since in 2024 the UK went from February to November without reporting a single H5 outbreak. Previously, between May 12th and June 22nd 2025, the UK reported 6 infected premises.​

After a lull of just over a month, over the past 6 days the UK's Defra has reported:

Bird flu: near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk (AIV 2025/53)
type: Bird flu (avian influenza) Control zone restriction: In force
Control zone type: Protection zone and 1 others
Virus strain: H5N1
Opened: 30 July 2025​

Bird flu: near Tiverton, Mid Devon, Devon (AIV 2025/52)
type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
Control zone restriction: In force
Control zone type: Protection zone and 1 others
Virus strain: H5N1
Opened: 30 July 2025​

Bird flu: near Dulverton, Tiverton and Minehead, Somerset (AIV 2025 51) ​

type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
Control zone restriction: In force
Control zone type: Protection zone and 1 others
Virus strain: H5N1
Opened: 28 July 2025​

Bird flu: near Tow Law, Bishop Auckland, County Durham (AIV 2025/50)
type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
Control zone restriction: In force
Control zone type: Captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone
Virus strain: H5N1
Opened: 25 July 2025​

Cases are well scattered across the Kingdom, and all are reported as HPAI H5N1.

From Defra's most recent (July 21st) High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Great Britain and Europe, we see the following outbreak map showing increased activity in May-June-July in and around the UK.

Map 3. HPAI events in domestic poultry and wild birds in Europe reported by WOAH between 12 May and 21 July 2025 (WOAH, 2025). Wild bird cases and poultry outbreaks are concentrated in Great Britain, Ireland and across the English Channel but only sporadic across eastern and central Europe with some cases in Spain and Portugal, as described in the main body of this report above.​

This report was issued prior to the 4 most recent IPs (Infected premises), and after having gone 4 weeks (June 22nd-July 21st) without any outbreaks in poultry.

In years past, that has suggested the expected summer lull in bird flu outbreaks had arrived.​

In the report's conclusion, the authors wrote:

Since our last assessment on 12 May 2025 (HPAI in Great Britain and Europe May 2025),cases of HPAI H5Nx have continued in gulls and seabirds through June and into July.

Therefore, the national risk level for HPAI H5 in wild birds is maintained at HIGH (occurs very often). Most of the wild bird cases in the last month have been coastal and not inland.​

There have been no IPs in Great Britain for the last 4 weeks, with low numbers reported in the weeks preceding that. This suggests that the risk between infection in poultry and detection in wild birds is becoming decoupled as has been seen in previous years when HPAI H5 has over-summered in seabirds and gulls around the coast.

The risk of infection of poultry in Great Britain with suboptimal biosecurity is therefore lowered to LOW (rare but does occur) with high uncertainty. The risk to poultry with stringent biosecurity is maintained at LOW (rare but does occur) with low uncertainty​

A reasonable assessment given the patterns we've seen in recent years, and the relative drought of outbreaks reported on the Continent. But as we've repeatedly seen, HPAI often throws curve balls.

Whether this summer uptick is an aberration or a trend, is something we'll simply have to wait to see.​

But this is a reminder that our powers of prognostication when it comes to what avian flu will - or won't - do, remain quite limited.


https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-uks-summer-hpai-h5-surge-in-poultry.html​

 

[Michael Coston]

UK: Defra Announces 5th H5 Poultry Outbreak In A Week

#18,819


Yesterday, in The UK's Summer HPAI H5 Surge In Poultry, we looked at an unexpected surge in H5N1 poultry outbreaks (n=4) over less than a week, which began just 3 days after Defra lowered the nation's risk level:

The risk of infection of poultry in Great Britain with suboptimal biosecurity is therefore lowered to LOW (rare but does occur) with high uncertainty. The risk to poultry with stringent biosecurity is maintained at LOW (rare but does occur) with low uncertainty.​

I won't rehash the background information from yesterday's blog, but after I posted that blog, Defra announced a 5th outbreak - once again in Sommerset County - albeit roughly 40 miles east of the outbreak near Dulverton, Tiverton and Minehead reported on the 28th.

Details are typically scant:

31 July 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Yeovil, Yeovil, Somerset (AIV 2025/54). A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises.​

While not unheard of, summer outbreaks of HPAI H5 in UK captive birds are fairly rare. Last year, zero outbreaks were reported between late February and early November.

Given that much of what happens with the evolution and spread of HPAI H5 occurs outside of our view, it is important to take note of any changes in the virus's behavior.​

While this spate of summer HPAI outbreaks could prove to be little more than a transient event, it is worth keeping our eye on.

Stay tuned.


https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2025/08/uk-defra-announces-5th-h5-poultry.html
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[Michael Coston]

Ireland & Scotland Now Reporting H5N1 Outbreaks

#18,822

Two days ago, in The UK's Summer HPAI H5 Surge In Poultry, we looked at an unexpected rise in H5N1 poultry outbreaks (n=4) over less than a week, which began just 3 days after Defra lowered the nation's risk level.

Yesterday morning we saw Defra Announce the 5th H5 Poultry Outbreak In A Week, and this morning we have two more outbreaks - one in the Republic of Ireland, and the other in the north of Scotland (see map above).​

First, this report from https://www.gov.ie/

Minister Heydon announces a finding of avian influenza in a small backyard flock in Co. Donegal

From: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on: 31 July 2025
Last updated on: 31 July 2025

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has today announced that avian influenza has been detected in a small backyard flock in Co. Donegal. The Minister confirmed that there are no trade implications for the Irish poultry industry in relation to this detection, due to the very small size of the flock.

Minister Heydon said:

“A bird from a very small backyard flock in Co. Donegal has tested positive for the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, following a post-mortem examination carried out in my department’s Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Sligo. Following this result, the other birds in the flock have now been euthanised. I would like to extend my sympathies to the flock owner.”​

This latest report prompted Northern Ireland's DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment, & Rural Affairs) to issue the following statement:

DAERA urges poultry keepers to remain vigilant as avian influenza continues to circulate

Date published: 1 August 2025

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is urging all poultry and bird keepers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza, as evidence confirms that the virus continues to circulate.

This renewed call for vigilance follows recent detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 reported by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in the Ireland and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Great Britain.

In recent days, HPAI H5N1 has been confirmed in a small backyard flock in County Donegal and in flocks across six locations in England. In all cases, birds were humanely culled to prevent further spread.

These findings highlight the persistent and serious threat posed by avian influenza to both commercial and backyard flocks. DAERA is reminding all bird keepers — regardless of the size or type of flock — to remain alert and take all necessary steps to minimise the risk of infection, particularly from wild birds.​

(Continue . . . )



Meanwhile, in Northern Scotland, Defra reports:

1 August 2025​

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed by the CVO Scotland at apremises near Banff, Aberdeenshire (AIV2025/55).​

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.​

Based on past experience, the expectation was that the UK would enjoy lull in bird flu activity over the summer. Last year no cases were reported between March and October - and until a week ago - no cases had been reported in nearly 5 weeks.

While it is not clear exactly what is behind this unseasonable uptick in HPAI outbreaks in and around the UK over the past week - any change in the virus's behavior is very much worth noting.​

More importantly, we'll be watching to see if similar trends emerge in Europe, where avian flu activity has reportedly declined in recent months (see High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Great Britain and Europe ).




Stay tuned.


https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2025/08/ireland-scotland-now-reporting-h5n1.html​

 

[Michael Coston]

UK Defra: Heightened Avian Influenza Risk Warning Issued to Bird Keepers and Gamebird Rearers





#18,845

Summer is typically a slow time for avian flu activity, but as we've discussed several times over the past 3 weeks (see here, here, and here) the UK is experiencing an unexpected summer uptick in HPAI activity, which began just days after Defra lowered the UK's threat level.

In 2024, the UK reported zero outbreaks in poultry between March and October, yet we've seen nearly a dozen events in the past few weeks.

Last week, Defra announced:

15 August 2025

Following a change in the pattern of wild bird findings and an increase in cases in poultry and captive birds, the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry with sub-optimal biosecurity has been increased to medium (event occurs regularly).​

Today, Defra added the following announcement:

20 August 2025

Due to the recent increase in avian influenza cases in game birds and increasing risk of avian influenza, particularly in coastal counties, the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures has been updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird reamers and shoot operators.

These include:

• a requirement to cleanse and disinfect vehicles and footwear
• a requirement to collect and report dead birds found in the vicinity of release pens
• measures to prevent access to feeders and drinkers by wild birds

These measures come into force from 26 August.​

Defra also published the following press release:

Heightened Avian Influenza Risk Warning Issued to Bird Keepers and Gamebird Rearers

Bird keepers and gamebird rearers reminded of heightened Avian Influenza risk
From:Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published20 August 2025

Bird keepers are today being warned of a heightened avian influenza risk and are urged to tighten their biosecurity measures, particularly those involved in running a shoot or game bird rearing.

This includes commercial poultry keepers and game bird rearers and shoot operators. The risk from avian influenza continues to rise, particularly in coastal counties which are on bird migration routes and parts of the country with a significant gamebird industry

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures remains in force across Great Britain. It has been in England updated today to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird operations.

These measures reflect the specific disease risks associated with the game bird and shooting sector at this time of year and are intended to protect both wild and captive bird populations.

During outbreaks, there are also controls on the release of game birds in areas of known high risk which must be abided by. The release of game birds is not permitted in any avian influenza disease control zone.​

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said:

We are seeing increasing outbreaks of avian influenza, particularly in coastal counties. Gamebird operations, alongside all other poultry keepers, must take action now to protect their birds and limit the risk of further outbreaks.

Strong biosecurity remains our best defence, and we urge all keepers to take immediate steps to strengthen their measures. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.​

Changes for gamebird keepers include: ​

• Disinfecting any vehicles upon first entry to the site and each day they are in use
• Providing one feeding station per 60 released game birds
• Cleaning feeding and watering stations daily to remove faecal matter, feathers and spilled feed
• Covering feeding and, where possible, watering stations to avoid contamination from wild bird droppings
• Placed pheasants in release pens should not be fed within 50 metres of a water body frequented by ducks and other wildfowl
• Placed game birds in release pens should not be fed within 500 metres of any poultry or other kept birds
• During the open season, checking placed game birds in release pens daily for signs of avian influenza
• Conducting a daily search of the area within and up to a 50 metre radius surrounding the perimeter of release pens for carcases of dead game birds and dead wild birds
• Reporting dead wild birds to Defra using the dead wild bird reporting tool and disposing of carcases appropriately
• Keeping detailed records of all visitors to the site (including deliveries and collections)

All bird keepers – whether of gamebirds, poultry, or other captive species – must remain vigilant for signs of disease, maintain high standards of hygiene and separation, and report any suspected cases immediately to the APHA. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease, and early action is vital to prevent wider spread.

Keepers are reminded that gatherings of poultry are banned. This includes birds from multiple locations brought onto a vehicle and then dropped off at other multiple locations.

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease. The risk to public health remains very low, and properly cooked poultry, game meat and eggs remain safe to eat.

NOTES TO EDITORS
​

Check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map and check the declarations for details of the restrictions and gov.uk/birdflu for further advice and information.
Keepers are encouraged to take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.​

As we discussed in some depth on Sunday (see H5Nx: Reassort & Repeat), as these viruses evolve, their behavior - and their threat - can also change.

While it is too soon to know if this summer's uptick is merely a fluke - or the start of a trend - it is a reminder influenza viruses are unpredictable, and countries and stakeholders need to be prepared to make quick adjustments whenever conditions change.
​

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2025/08/uk-defra-heightened-avian-influenza.html

 

[Michael Coston]

UK: Defra Announces 2 More Outbreaks Of HPAI H5N1 In Poultry

APHA Outbreak Map

#18,857

The UK's summer of bird flu continues with two more outbreaks reported, bringing their total to 80 since October 1st of last year. Unlike last summer, which went 8 months (March to October) without an outbreak, this summer has been laced with a series of unexpected poultry outbreaks (n=15).

Twelve days ago, in Heightened Avian Influenza Risk Warning Issued to Bird Keepers and Gamebird Rearers, Defra announced:

20 August 2025

Due to the recent increase in avian influenza cases in game birds and increasing risk of avian influenza, particularly in coastal counties, the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures has been updated to include additional biosecurity measures for game bird reamers and shoot operators.

These include:

• a requirement to cleanse and disinfect vehicles and footwear
• a requirement to collect and report dead birds found in the vicinity of release pens
• measures to prevent access to feeders and drinkers by wild birds

These measures come into force from 26 August.​

Since those new rules went into effect, 2 more farms have been identified as infected.

Latest situation

31 August 2025​

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in poultry at a premises near Exminster, Teignbridge, Devon (AIV/2025/61).

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.

28 August 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Evercreech, Frome and East Somerset, Somerset (AIV 2025/60).

A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises. The affected birds on the premises have been humanely culled.​

As we discussed in some depth two weeks ago (see H5Nx: Reassort & Repeat), as these viruses evolve, their behavior - and their threat - can also change.

While it is too soon to know if this summer's uptick is merely a fluke - or the start of a trend - it is a reminder influenza viruses are unpredictable.​

And as we'll see in the next couple of blogs (to be posted today), other countries are gearing up for this year's expected return of avian flu.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2025/09/uk-defra-announces-2-more-outbreaks-of.html
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