The UK has declared itself free from highly pathogenic avian influenza, after a winter season with just six cases since October – four in England and two in Scotland. This is in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules.
The declaration is being reviewed and will be published by WOAH shortly. This follows Northern Ireland declaring itself free on 31 March 2023.
The UK does not currently have outbreaks of HPAI in poultry or other captive birds. The current risk to poultry from HPAI H5 in Great Britain is low. However, HPAI H5N1 continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe with outbreaks occurring in poultry and other captive birds in several countries in Europe.
Defra stressed keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.