New outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed in the UK, with new cases detected in both Somerset and the county Durham.
The disease was identified on Monday (July 28th) by a commercial pheasant on a gaming filming site near Dalvelton, near Minehead, Tiverton and Somerset.
In response, DEFRA imposed a 3km protective zone and a 10km surveillance zone around affected sites to limit further spread. All poultry on the property is humanely culled.
A second case of avian influenza was also confirmed in the breeding birds on a site near the Durham County Bishop’s Towing Act on July 25th.
This outbreak caused the declaration of a 3km prisoner bird (surveillance) control zone. Birds on the premises are humanely culled as part of a containment effort.
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.
Authorities are urging all farmers and bird guards to remain vigilant and to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures.
Updates and zone maps are available from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA websites.
