The UK government has activated a nationwide response to a significant spike in cases of a highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This comes after outbreaks were confirmed on more than 20 commercial poultry farms across England in recent weeks.
In a decisive move to curb the spread, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has implemented a mandatory housing order across England. This requires all poultry keepers with more than 50 birds to house their flocks indoors.
What are the new control measures?
The national housing order, which came into force last week, was enacted by the UK's chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss. The measure mandates that birds must be kept inside a roofed building, such as a barn or shed, with limited exceptions for some zoo birds.
Simultaneously, a Great Britain-wide avian influenza prevention zone remains in effect. This requires all bird owners, from commercial farmers to backyard hen keepers, to follow strict biosecurity protocols. These include:
- Regularly disinfecting footwear, clothing, and equipment.
- Frequently cleansing and disinfecting housing and concrete areas.
- Reporting any suspected cases of disease or unusual changes in egg production.
- Making properties less attractive to wild birds, which can carry the virus.
On farms where the virus is detected, all poultry are humanely culled to prevent further transmission.
How serious is the current outbreak?
According to the latest Defra figures, confirmed cases have been identified at farms in multiple counties, including Worcestershire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, and Lancashire. Cases have also been recorded in Wales and Northern Ireland.
While bird flu cases are not uncommon during this season, the recent surge follows a period of lower infection rates since the winter of 2022/23, which saw over 200 affected farms. Ms. Middlemiss stated that the housing order is a “difficult step” but is necessary due to the “continued increase in cases” and is expected to reduce infection rates.
The outbreak also poses a significant threat to wild bird populations, with the RSPB describing avian influenza as one of the biggest conservation threats facing UK seabirds.
Is there a risk to human health?
The strain involved in the current outbreaks is H5N1, which is known to be transmissible to mammals, including humans. However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Defra have assessed that the current risk to human health remains low.
Authorities confirm that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that most human infections are linked to close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, and the virus does not appear to spread easily between people.
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely for any changes in the level of risk. Symptoms in humans can range from none to severe, potentially including respiratory issues, fever, cough, and conjunctivitis.
For the public, the advice is to minimise contact with wild birds and to report any dead birds found to the relevant authorities.
