A new case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a group of captive birds in England, according to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) .
The case was detected at a premises near Stockbridge, Test Valley, Hampshire in England on October 11, 2025.
A 3km “captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone” has been put in place in the vicinity of the premises, meaning that all poultry or other captive birds within the 3km zone must be housed.
Defra stated that all poultry on the Stockbridge premises will be humanely culled to prevent any disease-spread.
Northern Ireland
Meanwhile, there was a suspected case of bird flu identified on a commercial poultry premises in Omagh, Co, Tyrone, Northern Ireland earlier this month.
The suspect case was reported to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on October 3.
This resulted in disease control measures being put in place by DAERA, such as the humane culling of all poultry on the commercial premises and also the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ).
Global market
The global poultry market is “poised for continued strength” through 2025 and into early 2026, according to a new report from Rabobank.
RaboResearch forecasts a 2.8% growth for global poultry markets in 2025, faster than the 2.6% growth seen in 2024.
Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior analyst in animal protein with RaboResearch, explained: “Lower feed prices are contributing to industry profitability, providing a boost to markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
“Poultry continues to be a cost-effective option for consumers, especially as prices for other proteins rise.”
Additionally, Mulder noted the impact of impact of bird flu on the global poultry market, saying the disease remains a “critical concern for the poultry industry, with biosecurity being a top priority.”
He added: “Vaccination is increasingly being adopted as a risk-reduction tool, as seen already in Asia, some Latin American countries, France and recently South Africa.
“New outbreaks are anticipated, potentially adding volatility to the already tight global market conditions.”
