Bird flu warning issued as risk levels increase

The government have issued further advice about preventing bird flu and stopping it from spreading further. It comes after a further increase in the avian influenza ('bird flu') risk levels in Great Britain.

Earlier this month, cases of bird flu were confirmed at a commercial poultry farm in Yorkshire. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that all poultry on the premises near Hornsea in the East Riding will be humanely culled.

A protection zone spanning 3km (1.86 miles) has been established around the unidentified site. Additionally, Defra has put a surveillance zone covering 10km (6.21 miles) around the farm.

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Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must contact 03000 200 301 if you're in England. According to the NHS, bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

In their most recent update posted yesterday, November 12, the government website states: "All bird keepers are urged to remain vigilant and take action to protect their birds following a further increase in the avian influenza (‘bird flu’) risk levels in Great Britain.

"The risk level where good biosecurity is consistently applied at all times remains assessed as low with low uncertainty and the risk level in wild birds remains assessed as high."

In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, this means Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza. Northern Ireland continues to have self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 of the current outbreak was confirmed in England on the 5 November 2024. The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is assessed as high (event occurs very often).

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.