The UK poultry sector is on high alert after two new cases of bird flu were confirmed in the space of 48 hours.
The cases come as the UK continues to battle one of the longest bird flu seasons, with strict restrictions still in place across the country.
Defra confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 on February 14 at a facility near Ancroft, Northumberland. A 3km captive bird (surveillance) management area has been introduced around the site to limit the risk of further spread.
Two days earlier, on February 12, H5N1 was detected at another facility connected to a backyard herd near Penicuik in Midlothian.
A 3km protected area was declared in the area, but following a veterinary risk assessment, some standard protected area measures were not applied.
More than 90 cases of bird flu have been confirmed across the UK since October, more than the 82 cases recorded in the entire 2024/25 season.
The poultry industry faces continued disruption this season due to travel restrictions, housing mandates and increased monitoring requirements.
All bird keepers across the UK are still subject to strict biosecurity rules under the National Avian Influenza Prevention Area.
In the UK, national housing orders continue to require poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors to reduce contact with wild birds.
In Wales, compulsory detention applies to flocks of 50 or more birds, as well as smaller flocks where eggs or poultry products are sold or supplied.
Scotland is still under a precautionary zone which requires enhanced biosecurity, but housing is not compulsory unless the bird is within a specific disease control zone.
Additional restrictions are imposed on facilities located within protected and monitored zones.
These include regulating the movement of birds, eggs, litter and fertilizers unless a permit is granted.
Authorities are urging bird keepers to remain vigilant as migratory movements and seasonal conditions continue to increase the risk of further outbreaks.
