Bird Flu Outbreaks Confirmed in South Yorkshire and Norfolk, Prompting Culling and Protection Zones

Recent Outbreaks Confirmed Across England

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the H5N1 strain has been confirmed in multiple poultry units and backyard flocks across South Yorkshire and Norfolk in mid-November 2025. These recent detections are part of a broader series of outbreaks across the United Kingdom, with the current avian influenza season having commenced in October 2025.

In South Yorkshire, a large commercial poultry unit near Thorne, Doncaster, confirmed a case of HPAI H5N1 on November 16, 2025. This incident led to immediate disease control measures.

Norfolk has seen several confirmations in recent days. On November 15, 2025, HPAI H5N1 was identified in a large commercial poultry unit near Swaffham, Breckland, and also in a small backyard flock of captive birds near Watton, Breckland. Earlier, on November 13, 2025, a large commercial flock near Poringland, South Norfolk, also tested positive for the virus, marking Norfolk's fifth case in two weeks. Other recent Norfolk outbreaks include detections near Wells-next-the-Sea on November 4, 2025, and at commercial poultry premises near Feltwell and Attleborough.

Immediate Response and Control Measures

Following each confirmed outbreak, stringent disease control measures have been swiftly implemented by authorities. These include the declaration of a 3-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone around the infected premises. Within these zones, strict biosecurity measures and movement restrictions are enforced to prevent further spread of the virus.

A critical component of the response is the humane culling of all birds on the affected premises. This measure is standard practice to contain the highly contagious H5N1 strain and mitigate its impact on the wider poultry population.

National Housing Order and Biosecurity Protocols

To combat the elevated threat of avian influenza, a mandatory Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with housing measures has been in effect across Great Britain. This order, which came into force in England on November 6, 2025, legally requires all poultry and captive birds, regardless of flock size, to be kept indoors. This measure aims to reduce contact between domestic birds and wild birds, which are often carriers of the virus.

Bird keepers are urged to maintain rigorous biosecurity practices, including cleaning and disinfecting clothing, equipment, and vehicles, and minimising the movement of people and equipment to prevent contamination. Official figures indicate that as of November 14, 2025, there have been 40 outbreaks across the UK this season, with 31 cases confirmed in England alone.

Public Health Reassurance

Authorities continue to advise that the risk to human health from the H5N1 avian influenza virus remains low. Furthermore, properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are considered safe for consumption. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are closely monitoring the situation and providing guidance to bird keepers and the public.