Bird keepers are being urged to protect their birds against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after a case was confirmed in Scotland.

According to Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), HPAI H5N5 was confirmed in commercial backyard poultry in Ness, Isle of Lewis, Scotland (AIV 2026/20) on October 2.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

This is the first outbreak of the 2026 to 2027 season and following confirmation of this case, Great Britain has lost its freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) status, Defra said.

Poultry farmers across the UK are being advised to remain vigilant as HPAI is the most serious type of bird flu, and to review and improve their biosecurity arrangements.

According to Defra, strong biosecurity remains a key part of protecting health and welfare of birds

Poultry Biosecurity Fund

Eligible poultry keepers in England will have access to a £430 funded Poultry Biosecurity Fund, Defra said.

The fund is part of the government’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

Bird keepers will have access to a vet visit, a written report and tailored recommendations to help and reduce the risk of avian influenza.

The vet visit will include tailored advice to how their farm operates.

According to UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss, good biosecurity is the best defense against the disease.

She said: “I urge all bird keepers to remain vigilant, monitor their birds closely and report any suspicions of disease to APHA.”

What to look for

Symptoms of bird flu include:

Sudden death;
Lying down and unresponsiveness;
Lethargy and depression;
Drooping of the wings.

According to Defra, steps that bird keepers can take to protect the health and welfare birds against the threat of bird flu this winter include:

Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly disinfecting any hard surfaces;
Cleaning footwear before and after visits;
Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly;
Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl;
Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.