A second H5N1 outbreak has been confirmed near York, with fresh 3km and 10km disease control zones now in place and culling under way. The development arrives as some restrictions elsewhere are lifted this week in Lincolnshire, Devon and Worcestershire. Here’s how the position looks for farms across the North as of Thursday 15 January. (gov.uk)

Defra says the latest Yorkshire case involves a large commercial flock. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises and all birds on site will be humanely culled. Keepers inside the zones should follow licence conditions to the letter and keep movement and visitor logs up to date. (gov.uk)

In East Lindsey, local producers finally saw controls step down around Alford. The protection zone ended on 10 January and, after final checks, the 10km surveillance zone was revoked on 12 January. That eases movements for poultry units and egg operations across the area, but routine biosecurity still applies. (gov.uk)

In Teignbridge, Devon, the captive bird monitoring zone that followed a small ornamental collection near Dawlish has been lifted. The revocation on 13 January removes the extra paperwork that has been in place since November. (gov.uk)

Worcestershire also moved in the right direction today. Following clearance work and surveillance, the 10km surveillance zone around Hallow was stood down on 15 January. The earlier protection zone there had already been merged into surveillance on 4 January. (gov.uk)

Further north-west, West Lancashire’s captive bird monitoring zone around Burscough was revoked on 11 January. For backyard keepers and smaller aviaries in the area, that removes additional restrictions, though national prevention rules still apply. (gov.uk)

Across the border, Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed H5N1 near Penicuik in the Scottish Borders on 11 January, with 3km and 10km zones in place and culling under way. North East producers trading across the A68 and A1 should check the official map before moving stock or equipment. (gov.scot)

Mandatory housing remains in force under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. In England, the current declaration from 6 November 2025 requires anyone with 50 or more birds to house them; keepers with fewer than 50 for personal use only do not have to house, but if birds or products are sold or given away you count as ‘poultry’ and must house. Wales has an all‑Wales AIPZ in place from 13 November 2025 with similar thresholds and tougher biosecurity for larger flocks. (gov.uk)

Defra continues to assess the risk of H5 in wild birds as very high. For poultry, the risk is high where biosecurity is weak and medium where it is consistently strong. UKHSA says the public health risk remains very low, and the Food Standards Agency confirms properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. For 2025–26 so far, the UK has recorded 69 cases in England, six in Scotland, seven in Wales and four in Northern Ireland, a total of 86. (gov.uk)

For keepers in Yorkshire and the wider North, the practical steps don’t change: check the Defra disease zone map before any movement, follow licence conditions if you’re inside a zone, limit visitors and vehicles, and keep feed and water under cover. Outside control zones, bird gatherings can take place under the published general or specific licences depending on species. Report dead wild birds through the official channel and contact your vet or APHA immediately if you see signs in your flock. (gov.uk)