A fresh case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed in commercial poultry near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, today (2 November). A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are now in place around the premises, with culling of birds on site to prevent further spread.

The Easingwold confirmation follows new outbreaks at large units near Honington in West Suffolk and Donington in South Holland, Lincolnshire on 1 November. A day earlier, cases were logged near Ormesby St Margaret (Norfolk), Uckfield (East Sussex) and Swineshead (Lincolnshire). Control zones have been declared at each affected site.

Mandatory housing for poultry and other captive birds is now in force from 00:01 on Thursday 30 October across northern, central and parts of eastern England. In our patch that includes Cheshire, Cumbria, County Durham, the East Riding, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, South and West Yorkshire, plus Tyne and Wear. The order applies to keepers with more than 50 birds, and to anyone selling or giving away eggs or poultry products; small keepers under 50 for private use are not covered.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said, “Avian influenza can be devastating for poultry farmers, so we’re introducing these measures to protect livelihoods and animal welfare.” She urged strict compliance with housing and biosecurity rules as winter risk rises.

Industry groups say the move is necessary as cases climb. “BPC welcomes the announcement of a regional housing order across parts of England,” said Richard Griffiths at the British Poultry Council. The British Egg Industry Council called the step “vital to safeguard the health and welfare of laying hens.”

This season’s tally now stands at 20 confirmed UK cases: 16 in England, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, with none to date in Scotland. The first cases this season were recorded on 11 October (England), 25 October (Wales) and 9 October (Northern Ireland). Under WOAH rules, the UK is no longer classed as free of HPAI.

For keepers across the North, the practicalities matter. Defra’s order requires feed and bedding to be kept indoors, clothing and equipment disinfected before and after contact with birds, movements on and off sites kept to a minimum, robust vermin control, and disinfectant maintained at entry points. The Great Britain-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone also remains in force, requiring enhanced biosecurity for all keepers, from backyard flocks to commercial units.

Movements of poultry, eggs, litter and even certain mammals may need licensing, and gatherings are restricted. If you’re outside a disease control zone, gatherings of some captive birds can proceed only under licence; where housing rules apply, most poultry gatherings are not allowed. Always check the Defra disease zone map before planning transport or events.

Public health officials continue to stress that the risk to people is very low. UKHSA advises the general public’s health risk remains very low, and the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The public and land managers should report dead wild birds and keep garden feeders and water baths clean to reduce disease spread.

What happens next will depend on how well the housing order and biosecurity hold through the migrating-bird season. The measures are in place until further notice and are under regular review, with Defra saying it stands ready to adjust the order if risk levels change. For now, Northern producers should assume winter trading will mean tighter checks and paperwork, and act early.