Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in a large commercial poultry flock near Brockworth, Gloucestershire, health officials have said.
The case was confirmed on 18 December 2025 by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), triggering strict disease control measures in the surrounding area.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have now been declared around the affected premises. Within the 3km protection zone, all poultry and other captive birds must be housed to prevent further spread of the virus.
Gloucestershire Trading Standards has urged anyone who is aware of poultry or captive birds not being housed within the protection zone to report concerns via its Incident Line on 01452 427999.
Further restrictions are already in force under a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which includes mandatory housing measures for keepers with more than 50 birds. All bird keepers, regardless of flock size, are being advised to remain vigilant and follow strict biosecurity measures.
Bird keepers are encouraged to watch for signs of avian influenza and report any suspected cases immediately. Guidance on how to spot and report bird flu, as well as advice on safely housing birds, is available on the government’s website.
The virus poses a serious risk to poultry and captive birds, and officials stress that rapid reporting and compliance with restrictions are essential to limit its spread.
Up-to-date details on the restrictions and rules in place can be found on the GOV.UK website, and a live map showing the protection and surveillance zones is available online via Defra.
Members of the public are being reassured that the risk to human health remains low, but they are urged to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to follow official advice.