Latest update on Bird Flu in the United Kingdom, including suitable disinfectant

The latest updates from APHA are-

1. 16 February 2025

   Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Snettisham, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk (AIV 2025/18). A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises. The affected birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

2. 15 February 2025

   From 00:01 on Sunday 16 February 2025 the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) housing measures have been extended to cover Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire in addition to the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire. The England wide AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity in all other counties remains in force.

3. 14 February 2025

   Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in the zone around a premises near Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire (AIV 2025/02), the 3km protection zone has ended and the area that formed the protection zone becomes a surveillance zone.

Disinfection against Bird flu-

Use a DEFRA Approved disinfectant, approved for Deiseases of Poultry in boot washes, wheel washing and didsfection of equipment and housing. Our STRONGARM Disinfectant is approved at 1:300 dilution, click here .

Signs of bird flu

Birds infected with the most serious strain of bird flu, called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), usually show some (or all) of the following signs.

• sudden death
• swollen head
• closed and runny eyes
• lethargy and depression
• lying down and unresponsiveness
• lack of coordination
• eating less than usual
• lethargy
• sudden increase or decrease in water consumption
• head and body shaking
• drooping of the wings
• dragging of legs
• twisting of the head and neck
• swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles

• haemorrhages and redness on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck

• breathing difficulties such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling
• fever or noticeable increase in body temperature
• discoloured or loose watery droppings
• stop or significant drop in egg production

There are some photos of clinical signs of bird flu on Flickr.

Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.

Birds infected with the less serious strain of bird flu, called low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may not show clear signs of infection. They may have mild breathing problems. These signs can indicate bird flu, but the avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.

If you are concerned about the health of your birds speak to your private vet. If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.