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United Kingdom - Avian influenza in wild birds season 2025-2026

L

Lance

MPH, CSP & CIT Retired, CHMM Emeritus
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​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6882
 
Bird flu (avian influenza): cases in wild birds
Confirmed cases of wild birds with highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in Great Britain.

From:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
30 December 2016
Last updated 19 November 2025— See all updates

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​​https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...-wild-birds#full-publication-update-history​​

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For previous weeks, please see: https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...ngdom-avian-flu-in-wild-birds-2024-2025/page5
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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shropshire
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20/01/2026​

Warning to be alert after bird flu found in wild birds

Shropshire Council is urging residents and businesses who keep birds to remain alert for any signs of disease and report any cases of suspected disease immediately. It follows positive results of avian influenza (bird flu) in the Shropshire wild bird population during a routine survey.

Three cases of H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus were found in waterfowl in Tasley, Shropshire, following one case which was confirmed in Ellesmere in November 2025, three in Quatford, and three near Wem in December 2025.

There have been no cases of Avian Influenza in Shropshire confirmed in domestic birds this season, and all wild cases have been in waterfowl.

The public are encouraged to report sightings of certain wild bird deaths so that they may be collected for analysis in the APHA avian disease investigation laboratories. An online reporting tool is available to use 24/7 and accessible on mobile phones, tablets and laptops. If they fit the criteria of the survey, some of these may be collected for testing though not all dead birds will be required or collected.

The tool does not replace the Defra helpline, which will remain in place (03459 33 55 77).

Current criteria for consideration for collection:
  • One or more dead bird of prey (such as an owl, hawk or buzzard)
  • One or more swan, goose, duck or gull
  • Five or more wild birds of any other species.
canada-goose-scaled-e1768916724479.jpg

A Canada Goose

Bernie Bentick, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, expressed his concern over the situation, saying:
“This outbreak of Avian Influenza H5N1 is concerning. It is crucial that all residents and businesses involved in poultry farming adhere strictly to biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. We must act with utmost caution to protect our local poultry industry and public health.

“We also need to ensure good biosecurity in the area to prevent onwards spread, so we ask the public to be vigilant if walking in restricted areas.”​


Further information

Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). By law you must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading, and you may also have to house your birds.
  • If you have 50 or more birds you must house them. This applies to all types of birds.
  • If you keep less than 50 birds and they are for your own use only (for example you do not sell or give away their eggs or meat), you do not have to house them.
  • If you keep less than 50 birds but you do sell or give away their eggs, poultry products or live birds, you must house them.
If you keep poultry, you must register as a keeper.

Flock keepers are being asked to look for any signs of diseases whilst ensuring good levels of biosecurity at their premises, and housing them if they meet the requirements.

Spot the signs of Bird Flu
  • Unusual quietness decreased activity levels.
  • Decreased levels of vocalisation
  • Decreased levels of feed and water consumption.
  • Decreased egg production.
If you are concerned about the health of your animals, please seek advice from your vet.

For more information about bird flu and biosecurity please visit the government website.

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 if you’re in England, or 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales

To report dead wild birds, if you suspect they may have died from Avian Influenza, use this online form.

Advice for bird keepers

There is currently a requirement to ensure flocks over 50 birds are kept housed and for you to register all flocks of birds in order that information can be sent to you. Registration of flocks can be completed here

There are some simple measures poultry keepers should take to protect their birds against the threat of avian flu. These include:
  • Keep free-ranging birds in fenced areas to minimise contact with wild birds, neighbouring poultry or captive birds.
  • Inspect outdoor areas, removing wild bird contaminants like faeces, feathers and wild bird carcases.
  • Fence off or put netting over areas of standing water or ponds.
  • Provide feed and water undercover, so wild birds can’t access it.
  • Make your premises unattractive to wild birds. Use bird scarers, foils or streamers.
  • Keep ducks and geese separate from other poultry.
  • Store bedding under cover to reduce the risk of contamination.
  • Clean and disinfect footwear before and after tending to your birds. If you own more than 50 birds, place foot dips containing Government approved disinfectant at all entry and exit points.
  • Clean and disinfect hard surfaces regularly.
  • Clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles to avoid disease spread between premises.
  • Minimise the movement of people, vehicles and equipment to and from bird areas and keep records of movements.
  • Keep records of poultry, captive bird and egg movements.
  • Maintain buildings that house birds to prevent water ingress
  • Ensure pest control is effective.
Advice for members of the public

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.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Register as a keeper of birds

You must register within one month of keeping poultry or other captive birds at any premises in England or Wales. You’re breaking the law if you don’t register.
Register as a keeper of:
  • fewer than 50 poultry or other captive birds
  • 50 or more poultry or other captive birds
Registering means the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) can contact you during a bird flu outbreak.

https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2026/01/warning-to-be-alert-after-bird-flu-found-in-wild-birds/
 
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Berkshire
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Dead swans found in rivers in Berkshire - bird flu outbreak 'highly likely'

Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 1:12pm

ITV Meridian's Penny Silvester reports from Newbury

The Berkshire charity, Swan Support, say that a third of the flock at Newbury has been wiped out, amidst growing concerns of a bird flu outbreak.

Volunteers have found 24 swans dead in the River Kennet, and overnight, two more birds have died on the River Thames in Windsor.
...
Swan Support say they are still waiting for formal confirmation, but that they'll be "heartbroken" if the disease is proved to be spreading across the area.
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"All of a sudden it seens like it's hit the south.

"Every day we're getting calls to say that there's more dead swans floating in the water.
...

https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2...nd-in-rivers-raise-fears-of-bird-flu-outbreak
 
Policy paper

Mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds in England and Wales


Published 27 January 2026

Applies to England and Wales

Contents
  1. 1.Introduction
  2. 2.The pathogen and disease
  3. 3.Routes of incursion and spread
  4. 4.Reasons for government intervention
  5. 5.Strategic fit with government policy
  6. 6.Roles of government and organisational structures
  7. 7.Knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement
  8. 8.Objectives of disease prevention, mitigation and control measures
  9. 9.Horizon scanning
  10. 10.Notification and reporting requirements
  11. 11.Defra’s international reporting obligations
  12. 12.Clinical signs of avian influenza
  13. 13.National Reference Laboratory
  14. 14.Avian influenza wild bird surveillance
  15. 15.Diseases of Wildlife Scheme
  16. 16.Avian influenza research
  17. 17.Wild bird population monitoring
  18. 18.Support for species recovery
  19. 19.Biosecurity in natural settings
  20. 20.Restrictions on activities
  21. 21.Avian influenza strains of significant public health concern
  22. 22.Culling for disease control and euthanasia on welfare grounds
  23. 23.Removal and disposal of dead wild birds
  24. 24Vaccination
  25. 25.Compensation
  26. 26.Enforcement
  27. Annex A – Abbreviations
  28. Annex B - Definitions
​...
https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...-influenza-in-wild-birds-in-england-and-wales

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Bird flu (avian influenza): cases in wild birds
Confirmed cases of wild birds with highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in Great Britain.

From:
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
30 December 2016
Last updated 27 January 2026— See all updates

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Race to contain suspected bird flu outbreak among Thames Valley swans

Volunteer workers say increasing case numbers and dozens of dead birds raise fears spread is wider than recorded

Yassin El-Moudden and Damien Gayle
Mon 2 Feb 2026 07.59 EST

Members of the public and charity volunteers are working to contain a suspected outbreak of bird flu among swans in the Thames Valley, amid signs that confirmed cases are continuing to rise.

Since October, 324 cases of bird flu in swans have been recorded by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha), which is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Of these, 39 were recorded in the first four weeks of 2026 alone.

However, there is growing concern that official figures may underestimate the true scale of the outbreak. The animal charity Swan Support said 46 dead swans had been found in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead since 17 January, along with a further 26 in Newbury. Two swans were discovered dead in Windsor on Thursday, with three more found on Friday in the Berkshire village of Hurley.
...

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/02/race-contain-suspected-bird-flu-outbreak-swans
 
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Dozens of dead swans found in London spark fears of bird flu outbreak

Authorities are investigating a possible bird flu outbreak after 30 dead swans were found

Harriette Boucher
Monday 23 February 2026 15:55 GMT

Fears of a bird flu outbreak are growing after dozens of dead swans were found in the London Docklands area in recent days.

The Canal and River Trust, which looks after England’s waterways, said at least 30 swans have been found dead in and around West India and Millwall Dock waterways near Canary Wharf.

Authorities are investigating whether the mass die-off is tied to bird flu, which is often fatal for the animals.
...

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/...outbreak-london-docklands-defra-b2925589.html
 
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Confirmed outbreak of bird flu at Yeadon Tarn park and lake

19th February

Freya Thomson Profile Image
By Freya Thomson

ENVIRONMENTAL experts have confirmed they have found positive cases of avian flu at a popular West Yorkshire walking spot.

Yeadon councillors posted on social media on February 11 to warn the public of a potential avian flu outbreak at a lake .

DEFRA and Leeds City Council has since confirmed there are positive cases of avian flu at Yeadon Tarn.

This came after Yeadon councillors posted online that there had been "swan deaths at Yeadon Tarn" with residents "distressed" by the number of swans and other birds being found dead in the area..

Yeadon Tarn is a popular 17-hectare park and lake not far from Leeds Bradford Airport.
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https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co...rmed-outbreak-bird-flu-yeadon-tarn-park-lake/
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'Keep dogs on leads': Warning as bird flu confirmed at popular Leeds park

By Dennis Morton
Digital Journalist

Published 23rd Feb 2026, 12:14 GMT

A “small number” of bird flu cases have been detected at a popular Leeds beauty spot.

Leeds City Council confirmed on Monday (February 23) that cases of avian influenza has been identified in wild birds at Temple Newsam Park in east Leeds.

The update follows reports that cases were detected at Yeadon Tarn, near Leeds Bradford Airport, last week.
...

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/new...d-flu-confirmed-in-another-leeds-park-5608005
 
Related to post #17:

Dozens of swans dead in Docklands due to bird flu

3 hours ago

Dozens of swans in east London have died due to an outbreak of bird flu, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed.

At least 30 swans were recovered on Monday and 21 more were found on Wednesday at West India and Millwall Docks, according to the charity E1 Waterbird Welfare.

The Swan Sanctuary rescue charity previously described the current strain in London's Docklands as "very lethal and infectious and it seems to be particularly affecting the young cygnus that were born earlier on this spring".
...

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cre0xvrgegjo
 
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