UK Self-Declared Zonal Freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
· The UK has self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) for Great Britain with effect from 29 March 2024. 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 the UK declaring on behalf of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland free from HPAI 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.
· Keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds. Find out how to protect your birds in our biosecurity guidance.
· The latest information on avian influenza can be found at gov.uk/birdflu