Bird flu H5N1 has been confirmed at sites across the North this week, including near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, Alford in East Lindsey and Kirkham in Fylde. England’s animal health teams have put 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones in place around each location and are culling affected flocks to contain spread. A fresh case was also added near Hallow, Worcestershire, on Saturday 8 November, under the same restrictions.

Defra’s Friday update listed four new commercial cases, including a second at Thirsk and one in East Lindsey, alongside two outbreaks in Norfolk. Wales confirmed a large case near Milford Haven on Thursday. Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer has also confirmed cases near Pomeroy, County Tyrone, and Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, with 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones now active.

Since 1 October, officials count 28 confirmed H5N1 cases in England, four in Wales and three in Northern Ireland; Scotland has none. That brings the UK total to 35 this season, and the UK is no longer classed as free of HPAI under WOAH rules.

Great Britain remains in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. From 00:01 on Thursday 6 November, mandatory housing applies in England: keepers with more than 50 birds must house them; smaller keepers who sell or give away eggs, meat or live birds must also house; those keeping fewer than 50 birds solely for their own use do not have to house.

These housing rules sit on top of strict biosecurity that already applies nationwide. Defra’s declaration stresses clean, covered feed and water, disinfected footwear and equipment, and keeping wild birds out of pens. If you’re eligible for a welfare exemption for waterfowl or ratites, speak to your vet and follow the official template.

Public health advice is steady. “The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low,” UKHSA said in January, after confirming a human H5N1 case linked to close contact with infected birds. Food authorities continue to say properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

For Northern keepers this weekend, start with the basics: confirm whether your holding falls inside a zone, tighten visitor controls, refresh wheel‑wash and footbaths, move feed indoors and keep a movement diary. If you need to move birds, eggs or by‑products, check whether a general or specific movement licence is required before arranging transport.

Shows, sales and fairs now face tighter controls. If you’re in a disease control zone you cannot hold a gathering. Elsewhere, poultry events require a specific licence, while gatherings of other captive birds must follow the general licence and be notified to APHA at least seven days in advance. Organisers must meet licence conditions or face enforcement.

Gamekeepers should note the feeding rules. In an AIPZ, feed released birds or those in release pens at least 500 metres from any kept poultry, keep stations clean and covered, and remove spilled feed daily. Treat boot dips, vehicle disinfection and carcass checks as routine.

The advice to the public hasn’t changed: don’t touch dead or sick wild birds; report findings using the official service or by calling 03459 33 55 77. Wash hands thoroughly after contact with droppings or feathers. Reporting helps government track spread and target surveillance.

Avian‑origin flu in mammals is notifiable. Vets, labs and wildlife rehabbers must report any suspected or detected influenza A infection in mammals immediately to APHA on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales; in Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to report is an offence.

With cases clustered through North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire, the message is pragmatic: set aside time this weekend to check housing, close up gaps, refresh disinfectant and keep records straight. It’s graft, but it protects flocks and keeps businesses trading through winter.