Two bird flu protection zones declared in the South West
All of the birds are to be humanely culled after the discovery of avian influenza
Protection zones have been imposed in parts of the South West following the detection of bird flu.
These biosecurity measures come amid the UKHSA continuing to ban poultry gatherings across England until further notice as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of avian influenza.
Additional measures apply in disease control zones surrounding infected premises where HPAI has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds - including on two sites in Devon and Somerset.
The first case of HPAI H5N1 of the current outbreak was confirmed in:
- England on 17 November 2024
- Scotland on 10 January 2025
- Wales on 24 June 2025
- Northern Ireland on 12 February 2025
The South West
In Mid Devon, it's been confirmed (30 July) that the highly contagious case of avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Tiverton.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.
All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Read more about this protection zone here.
Whilst in Somerset, the highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5N1 strain was confirmed in poultry near Dulverton, Tiverton and Minehead, Somerset on 28 July.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.
All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Read more about this protection zone here.
The latest situation
In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
On 9 June 2025 the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) approved and published a self-declaration of the recovery of freedom from infection with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAI) in poultry for the zone of Northern Ireland. The declaration can be viewed on the WOAH website.
You can read more about the latest situation across the UK on the GOV.UK website.