The UK declares zonal freedom from bird flu
4th April 2024
Defra has self-declared “zonal freedom” from bird flu. The UK is now in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules.
The announcement for Great Britain, with effect from 29th March, is being reviewed and will be published by WOAH shortly. This follows Northern Ireland declaring itself free on 31st March.
There are currently no outbreaks of the disease in poultry or other captive birds in the country.
The avian influenza risk to poultry has been described as low. However, bird flu 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.
Confirmed cases
Number of cases of bird flu confirmed in the UK since 1st October 2023:
- Four cases in England
- Two cases in Scotland
- No cases in Wales
- No cases in Northern Ireland.
New measures introduced
Defra warns that bird keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.
Read more about how to protect your birds here.
The measures aim to better protect the poultry sector from future avian influenza outbreaks.
