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Two weeks ago the UKHSA released a brief Statement on an H5 Positive Case In the UK - the first since 2023 - when surveillance picked up 2 asymptomatic poultry workers with the virus. In this latest case, the patient was exposed to poultry which tested positive for the D1.2 genotype.
Other than stating that `The individual is currently well and was admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit.', we've heard no other updates.
Since then the UK has reported at least six new outbreaks in poultry, bringing the total since Nov 5th, 2024 to 33 premises. This comes after nearly 9 months (Feb 14th-Nov 5th) without an outbreak.
Starting today (Feb 10th) DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) has ordered a nationwide ban on poultry gatherings. We've seen similar local bans ordered recently in the United States (including in Georgia and California).
Latest situation
From midday on Monday 10 February 2025 bird gatherings of poultry, galliforme or anseriforme birds are banned in England. This includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.
Gatherings of other captive birds will continue to be permitted, providing you follow and meet all the requirements of the captive bird gathering general licence.
Find out what counts as a bird gathering.
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). By law you must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.You may also be in a disease control zone or AIPZ where you must house your birds. Check what zone you’re in and follow the rules.
From 10 February 2025 you cannot hold bird gatherings of poultry, galliforme or anseriforme birds in England. This includes ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.
Gatherings of all other types of birds are permitted provided you:follow and meet all the requirements of the captive bird gathering general licence notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the gathering at least 7 days before the event are not in a disease control zone
You could be prosecuted if you do not meet the licence conditions. Your permission to operate under this licence could be suspended or withdrawn.What counts as a bird gathering
Gatherings include (but are not limited to) bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales. In addition, vehicles used to transport live birds where the birds are brought together from multiple premises (so called many-to-one or many-to-many activities) are also considered gatherings.
While most of our attentions have been focused domestically, much of the rest of the world is struggling with avian flu. In their latest update (Jan 23rd, 2025), the FAO shows the extent of the current wave (since Oct 1st, 2024) of HPAI around the globe.
Within each of these subtypes there can be dozens - even hundreds - of genotypes. Each is on its own evolutionary path, and while most will fail to thrive, the fittest will can provide the virus with new ways to evolve and adapt.
Complicating matters, HPAI today is being carried by a much broader range of (avian and mammalian) hosts than ever before (see DEFRA: The Unprecedented `Order Shift' In Wild Bird H5N1 Positives In Europe & The UK & USDA HPAI Mammals list).
Where this all leads is unknowable, but as entrenched as HPAI has become over the past 5 years, it's hard to envision the threat from H5 fading away anytime soon.