UK Bird Flu Outbreak Worsens as Government Enforces National Housing Order
LONDON The UK government has imposed a new mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds in England amid what officials describe as one of the most infectious waves of avian influenza H5N1 seen in recent years.
The order, effective from 00:01 on Thursday 6 November 2025, requires bird keepers to bring their flocks indoors to reduce contact with wild birds and limit transmission. The move follows a sharp increase in confirmed infections on commercial and small-scale farms.
High risk to poultry, low risk to humans
According to data from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Defra, the UK has recorded 26 confirmed outbreaks of H5N1 so far this season: 22 in England, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. The overall risk to poultry is assessed as high, while the risk to human health remains very low. (gov.uk)
The highly pathogenic strain H5N1 has circulated in Europe since 2021 and continues to infect wild bird populations that migrate through the UK during autumn. Experts say the combination of cold weather, wetland migration and persistent viral reservoirs make winter the most dangerous period for the poultry industry.
Expert concern
Professor Ian Brown, former head of virology at the APHA, told the BBC that this season’s strain appears to be “among the most transmissible forms of avian influenza we have encountered,” and warned farmers to maintain strict biosecurity measures. (BBC News)
He cautioned that outbreaks can spread rapidly once introduced to commercial flocks: “Once this virus enters a unit, containment becomes extremely difficult.” Brown added that the virus’s persistence in wild birds continues to create “a rolling risk” each winter.
Economic and welfare impact
The reintroduction of housing orders has hit free-range egg and poultry producers hardest. Birds that are normally outdoors must now remain inside for an extended period, threatening free-range certification if restrictions last beyond 12 weeks. Producers also face the ongoing threat of mandatory culling should infection be detected.
During the 2021-23 season, the UK lost hundreds of commercial and small-scale flocks to culling measures. The National Farmers Union said the current outbreak compounds economic pressures already weighing on the sector from high feed and energy costs. (Reuters)
Government advice
Defra is urging all bird keepers, from major producers to backyard owners, to maintain stringent hygiene practices, disinfect footwear and equipment, and report any signs of illness immediately. The department said early detection remains the most effective tool to prevent mass loss events and reduce long-term disruption to food supply chains.
Looking ahead
While Britain has avoided the human-health crises seen in past influenza pandemics, scientists stress that constant vigilance is essential. Surveillance in wild bird populations will continue through the winter, and vaccination research remains underway across Europe to protect both birds and the wider agricultural economy.
For now, officials describe the situation as “serious but contained”, yet warn that complacency could undo progress made since the last major epidemic.
This article is provided by Fidelis News. Free to read, not free to make. Support independent journalism via Buy Me a Coffee.
Sources: GOV.UK / Defra, APHA, Reuters, AP News, BBC News.
Date: 6 November 2025 | By: Fidelis News Staff
