“The risk to the general public’s health is very low,” UKHSA says - but northern keepers remain on alert as controls shift. On 16 February 2026 the 10km surveillance zone around the York outbreak was revoked, and West Lindsey’s Gainsborough case also moved out of statutory controls. On 14 February 2026 H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds near Ancroft in Northumberland, triggering a 3km monitoring zone. (gov.uk)

Northumberland’s new case involves other captive birds near Ancroft, north of the A1. APHA confirmed all birds on the premises will be humanely culled and a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone is now in place. Keepers near Berwick-upon-Tweed should check the official disease map before any movement of birds, eggs or kit. (gov.uk)

Lincolnshire producers saw further relief last week. After veterinary checks and cleansing, 10km surveillance zones were lifted on 13 February around sites near Sudbrooke and Welton, easing local haulage and feed runs that had been detouring for weeks. (gov.uk)

For the large commercial flock hit outside York just before Christmas, the 3km protection zone ended on 3 February, and on 16 February the wider 10km surveillance zone was revoked. All birds on the premises had already been culled under APHA controls. (gov.uk)

England remains under an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with housing measures. If you keep 50 or more birds you must house them; smaller flocks for your own use only do not, but if you sell eggs, meat or live birds you must house them. Defra last updated the declaration on 28 January 2026. (gov.uk)

Officials still rate the risk in wild birds as very high, with exposure to poultry high where biosecurity is weak and medium where it is robust. The Food Standards Agency adds that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. (gov.uk)

For the 2025–26 season (counted 1 October to 30 September), APHA lists 94 confirmed HPAI H5N1 cases to date across the UK - 74 in England, 9 in Scotland, 7 in Wales and 4 in Northern Ireland - plus one LPAI case. Figures were current on 16 February 2026. (gov.uk)

Movement within, into or out of any control zone may still need a licence, even as zones lift. Northern SMEs should check their postcode on the APHA map and apply before loading - a small step that’s saving hauliers wasted miles this month. (gov.uk)

Backyard keepers can help cut risk at the garden fence. The British Trust for Ornithology advises cleaning feeders and water baths regularly and pausing feeding if you see sick or dead birds to prevent spread. Report dead wild birds via the government service. (bto.org)

Land managers along the North Sea coast and Humber wetlands can draw on Defra’s updated mitigation strategy for wild birds and use APHA site posters to guide visitors during spikes. The strategy was refreshed on 27 January 2026. (gov.uk)