20/10/2026
And so it begins again.
The first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in England this season has been reported at a commercial poultry farm in Northumberland.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are now in place, with the birds on the affected farm due to be culled.
For those of us in Norfolk, this is an all too familiar story.
We have seen first-hand the devastating impact that avian influenza can have on poultry businesses, not just financially, but on the farmers, their families and those whose livelihoods depend upon them.
As we move into the autumn and winter months, with migratory birds arriving, the threat becomes very real once again.
Biosecurity is absolutely vital, whether you're running a commercial poultry unit or keeping a handful of chickens in the garden.
My thoughts are with the farming business affected in Northumberland.
Let's hope this doesn't become another winter of restrictions, culling and heartbreak for the British poultry industry.
Please remain vigilant. Prevention is infinitely better than the alternative.
PoultryFarming
