A significant new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed at a commercial poultry farm in the Midlands, raising fresh concerns for the region's farming sector.
Outbreak Details and Immediate Response
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the discovery on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The infected flock is located near Alvechurch in Worcestershire. In a swift response to contain the virus, Defra has established a 3-kilometre protection zone and a wider 10-kilometre surveillance zone around the affected premises.
All poultry on the site will be humanely culled to prevent further spread of the disease. The exact location of the farm has not been publicly disclosed by the authorities.
A Growing Pattern of Infections
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of another confirmed case of the same H5N1 strain in Nottinghamshire on Boxing Day (December 26). It forms part of a worrying pattern of outbreaks across the Midlands during December.
Earlier in the week, Defra also confirmed that avian influenza A(H5N1) was present in a number of geese along the River Avon in Stratford-on-Avon. This discovery prompted a joint statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Warwickshire County Council, and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
Public Health Advice Remains in Place
The UKHSA continues to urge the public not to touch or pick up any sick or dead wild birds. This advice is particularly pertinent for anyone near the River Avon and the surrounding area where the infected wild geese were found. The relevant councils and health agencies have stated they are working collaboratively to manage the situation.
The consecutive confirmations in Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire within a 24-hour period highlight the persistent threat posed by avian flu to commercial and wild bird populations in the UK. The establishment of control zones is a standard but critical procedure to try and isolate the virus and protect other flocks in the region.
