Two new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in commercial poultry flocks in Devon and Norfolk, urging rapid action from authorities.
The first case of H5N1 was identified near Tiverton, Mid-Devon, where 20,000 commercial ducks are affected.
A second or more outbreak occurred near Attleborough in Breckland, Norfolk. There, the virus was detected in a flock of 60,000 turkeys.
This outbreak was confirmed by the Animal and Plant Health Organization (APHA) on July 30, 2025.
Control measures include establishing disease control zones, restricting movements, and humane culling of affected birds to prevent further spread.
It’s just days after avian flu cases were detected in Durham, both Somerset and the county earlier this week.
The new incident will add to the long-term wave of avian flu outbreaks across the UK that began in late 2021.
The winter season of 2024/25 was particularly severe, with hundreds of thousands of birds culling after the confirmed infection.
Experts have warned that H5N1 is no longer confined to colder months, increasing the number of cases detected all year round.
The persistence of viruses in wild bird populations, particularly migratory birds, is considered to be a key factor in their continued spread.
The mandatory housing order for chicken and prisoner birds was lifted in May, but strict biosecurity measures are in place across England, Scotland and Wales under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).
In response to the global rise in avian flu cases, lawmakers and fellow cross-party groups have recently called on the government for rapid legislation that will allow for the use of gene editing in livestock.
The group is urging the rapid implementation of secondary laws under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 to support future UK agriculture against the threat of animal diseases such as avian influenza.
Authorities continue to urge all farmers and bird keepers to remain vigilant and to adhere to biosecurity measures.
Updates and zone maps are available from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA websites.
