The number of confirmed cases of avian influenza (AI) is continuing to grow in heavily affected areas in the east of England, despite the newly introduced regional housing order.
Over the past weekend, an additional nine cases were confirmed, most of which were in Norfolk. Indoor rearing turkeys and broiler breeders were affected. Several cases were also in backyard flocks.
The current risk level in GB is:
Wild birds – ‘High’ (with low uncertainty) (that is, event occurs regularly)
Poultry – with suboptimal biosecurity ‘High’ (with low uncertainty)
Poultry – with stringent biosecurity ‘Medium’ (with high uncertainty)
Since 1 October 2022, there have been 71 confirmed cases to date across the UK: 66 in England, two in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
Since 2021 there have been 158 confirmed cases of H5N1 HPAI: 134 in England, 7 in Wales, 11 in Scotland and 6 in Northern Ireland.