Bird Flu confirmed in Cumbria - 30/09/25

[willie reynolds]

From: Animal Disease Control Policy Branch <ADC@daera-ni.gov.uk>
Sent: 30 September 2025 17:09
Subject: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry premises near Wetheral, Cumberland, Cumbria, England
Good afternoon,
I am writing to inform you that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry premises near Wetheral, Cumberland, Cumbria, England on 28 September 2025. This is the first incursion in recent weeks. Immediate action has been taken with a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone declared around the premises. Culling is scheduled to take place.
Further information on HPAI cases in GB is available here.
This should act as a stark warning to all bird keepers against any form of complacency.
Continual high standards of biosecurity on all poultry premises is the most effective tool in protecting Northern Ireland and birds against this disease. Some simple measures flock keepers can take to protect their birds against the threat of avian flu are as follows:
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.
Detailed information including a checklist on how to improve biosecurity can be found on the DAERA Avian Influenza Hub.
DAERA stresses the mandatory legislative requirement that all keepers of birds (except keepers of pet birds kept in the owner’s home) must be registered with DAERA. If you have not already done so, please download a registration form on the DAERA website.
Furthermore, any suspicion of avian influenza must be reported to to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office without delay.
Please share this information with your members.
Kind regards
Jim Blee, Deputy Director of Animal Health and Welfare Policy.