Defra has confirmed new cases of H5N1 in commercial flocks at a third premises near Gainsborough in West Lindsey and at a large unit near Great Shelford in South Cambridgeshire on Tuesday 14 April 2026. A separate case was confirmed near Market Rasen on Saturday 11 April. Around each site, a 3km protection zone and wider 10km surveillance zone are now in force and birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled. (gov.uk)

For keepers across Lincolnshire and the Fens, the zones mean movement rules apply the minute you cross those lines. Routine movements of birds, eggs, litter, manure and some equipment are restricted and, in many cases, only allowed under licence. If you keep birds within the 3km or 10km zones, read the zone rules in full before arranging any collections or deliveries, then check if a general or specific licence is needed. (gov.uk)

Housing measures under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone were lifted on Thursday 9 April, so birds can range again where it is permitted. That does not apply inside the new protection zones or captive-bird monitoring zones-local rules take priority and biosecurity remains mandatory across England. Keepers should check their postcode on the official disease map before letting birds out. (gov.uk)

Smallholders and small producers told us they want straight guidance, not jargon. Today, that means three quick steps: confirm your location against the Defra map; make sure your birds are registered (now a legal requirement for all keepers in England and Wales within one month of keeping birds); and tighten biosecurity-dedicated boots and kit for the bird area, effective foot dips at entry points, feed and water under cover, and strict visitor controls. (gov.uk)

If you trade eggs or handle by‑products, plan for licences and paperwork. Movements of table eggs into, within or out of a zone are usually covered by a general licence with conditions-pre‑movement checks on flock health, cleansing of vehicles and accurate records. Used litter or manure movements also sit under specific general licences with clear biosecurity requirements. Speak to your packer or haulier early and keep records tidy. (gov.uk)

Know the warning signs and the reporting route. Sudden deaths, a sharp drop in lay, breathing problems or swelling of combs and wattles all warrant a call. If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to APHA on 03000 200 301 in England-it’s a notifiable disease and delaying that call is against the law. (gov.uk)

Wildlife matters in this. You can continue feeding garden birds, but wash hands after, keep feeders and baths clean, and avoid feeding near premises that keep poultry. Do not touch or move dead or sick wild birds-use the government reporting service instead. (gov.uk)

Shoppers and farm shops have asked if poultry is safe. UKHSA continues to assess the risk to the general public as very low, and the Food Standards Agency says properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. That message is important for local butchers, markets and cafés as Easter demand tails into spring. (gov.uk)

Across the current 2025/26 season, the UK has recorded 99 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases (78 in England) and one LPAI case. Officials assess the risk in wild birds as medium, while exposure risk to poultry is low-provided good biosecurity is kept up. That’s the lever within every keeper’s control. (gov.uk)

There is no routine vaccination for poultry in England. Only licensed zoos can vaccinate eligible birds with APHA authorisation, while Defra and the VMD continue to track vaccine development. If you’re offered vaccines for backyard or commercial flocks, treat it as a red flag and check with your vet. (gov.uk)

How long will local restrictions last? Zones remain until disease control and surveillance are completed and signed off-often weeks rather than days. We’ve seen nearby Lincolnshire zones revoked once cleaning and checks finished earlier this year, so keep an eye on the live page for revocations as work concludes. In the meantime: check the map daily, stick to the rules and pick up the phone if anything looks off. (gov.uk)