Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK, and Europe - Gov.uk
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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Updated Outbreak Assessment #16
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK,
and Europe
15 February 2021 Ref: VITT/1200 HPAI in the UK and Europe
Disease Report
Since our last report (on 08 February), in the United Kingdom; there has been one new
outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Scotland. There have been
no new cases of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds in the UK. According to OIE, elsewhere in
Europe since 08 February, HPAI H5N8 has been reported in poultry in the Czech
Republic (2), Finland (1), Germany (4), Hungary (3), Luxembourg (4), Poland (3) and
Ukraine (1). HPAI H5N8 in wild birds has been reported in Austria (1), Denmark (36),
Finland (1), France (1), Latvia (1) and Poland (1). HPAI H5Nx (N untyped) has been
reported in poultry in Bulgaria. HPAI H5N3 has been reported in wild birds in Denmark (1).
HPAI H5N5 has been reported in wild birds in Austria (1) and Poland (1).
1Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Situation Assessment
Table 1: Summary of confirmed outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in poultry and captive birds
in the UK to 15 February 2021
Date HPAI
Location,
H5N8 Description Status
County
confirmed
HPAI H5N8 in Poultry
3 Near Frodsham, Broiler breeder All surveillance completed, zones
November Cheshire rearer chickens lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
10 Near Leominster, Broiler breeder All surveillance completed, zones
November Herefordshire chickens lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
23 Near Melton Poultry and captive All surveillance completed, zones
November Mowbray, birds lifted, premises remain under
Leicestershire restriction as per OIE
recommendations
29 Near Rearing turkeys All surveillance completed,
November Northallerton, zones lifted, premises remain
Hambleton, North under restriction as per OIE
Yorkshire recommendations
01 Near Rearing turkeys All surveillance completed,
December Northallerton, zones lifted, premises remain
Hambleton, North under restriction as per OIE
Yorkshire recommendations
04 Near Rearing turkeys All surveillance completed, zones
December Attleborough, lifted, premises remain under
Breckland, restriction as per OIE
Norfolk recommendations
05 Near King’s Lynn, Rearing turkeys All surveillance completed, zones
December Norfolk lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
2Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Date HPAI
Location,
H5N8 Description Status
County
confirmed
15 Near Willington, Captive birds and All surveillance completed, zones
December Derbyshire poultry lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
19 Island of Sanday, Small commercial All surveillance completed, zones
December Orkney Islands free range laying lifted, premises remain under
flock restriction as per OIE
recommendations
19 Near Gillingham, Backyard poultry All surveillance completed, zones
December North Dorset lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
20 Near Commercial duck All surveillance completed, zones
December Attleborough, premises lifted, premises remain under
Breckland, restriction as per OIE
Norfolk recommendations
28 Near Great Backyard poultry All surveillance completed, zones
December Ellingham, lifted, premises remain under
Norfolk restriction as per OIE
recommendations
28 Near Ickburgh, Commercial duck All surveillance completed, zones
December Norfolk rearing premises lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
29 Near Aylesbeare, Backyard poultry All surveillance completed, zones
December Devon lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
06 Ballymena, Commercial layer All surveillance completed, zones
January County Antrim rearer premises lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
3Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Date HPAI
Location,
H5N8 Description Status
County
confirmed
12 Lisburn, County Commercial layer All surveillance completed, zones
January Antrim lifted, premises remain under
restriction as per OIE
recommendations
28 Near Amlwch, Isle Game bird rearing A Protection Zone and
January of Anglesey, premises Surveillance Zone have been put
Wales in place around the infected
premises; surveillance is ongoing
06 Near Redcar, Commercial layer A Protection Zone and
February Redcar and Surveillance Zone have been put
Cleveland in place around the infected
premises; surveillance is ongoing
HPAI H5N8 in Captive Birds
20 Near Stroud, Captive birds All surveillance and sampling on
November Gloucestershire IP completed, zones lifted.
13 Near Droitwich Captive birds No zones implemented
December Spa,
Worcestershire
Table 2: Summary of confirmed outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 in poultry and captive birds
in the UK to 15 February 2021.
Date HPAI Location, Description Status
H5N1 County
confirmed
18 Near Hawes, Backyard chickens All surveillance completed, zones
December Richmondshire, lifted, premises remain under
North Yorkshire restriction as per OIE
recommendations
4Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
11 Near Glenrothes, Game bird rearing A Protection Zone and
February Scotland and breeding Surveillance Zone have been put
premises in place around the infected
premises; surveillance is ongoing
Since our last report on 08 February, there has been one new outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in
domestic poultry reported in GB; at a game bird rearing and breeding premises in
Scotland.
To 15 February 2021, there have been fourteen outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in poultry
confirmed on premises in England; one outbreak confirmed on a premises in Scotland;
and one outbreak confirmed in Wales. There have also been two reports of HPAI H5N8 in
captive birds in England (Table 1), one report of H5N1 in backyard chickens, in England;
and the new report of H5N1 in gamebirds in Scotland (Table 2).
Since our last report on 08 February, in Northern Ireland, there have been no new
outbreaks of HPAI confirmed in domestic poultry or wild birds.
The total number of HPAI outbreaks in poultry and/or captive birds in the UK to 15
February, is 22.
The above map shows the concentration of wild bird cases in north-western Europe, with
relatively few in southern or central Europe. To 15 February, a total of 311 HPAI cases
have been reported in wild birds in the UK (see Table 3 below), with most in England; only
a few in Scotland and Wales; and nine cases in NI (please note – there have been no new
findings in wild birds in NI since our last report, however report numbers have been
updated).
For further details, please see the report (updated weekly) on findings of HPAI in wild birds
in GB at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-in-wild-birds and NI
at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai#toc-11
Table 3: Wild bird cases in England, Wales, and Scotland that have tested positive
for HPAI H5N1, H5N5, H5N8 and H5Nx to 15 February 2021 (no change from the
previous report). Pathogenicity testing has not been completed for all samples as
yet.
Row Labels H5N1 H5N5 H5N8 H5N3 H5Nx Grand Total
England 10 1 258 7 276
Black Swan 11 11
Brent Goose 6 6
Buzzard 3 1 4
Canada Goose 1 24 25
5Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Row Labels H5N1 H5N5 H5N8 H5N3 H5Nx Grand Total
Great White Egret 1 1
Grey Heron 1 1
Greylag goose 8 2 10
Herring Gull 2 2
Kestrel 1 1
Lesser Black Backed Gull 1 1
Lesser Black headed Gull 1 1
Mixed Avian 1 1
Mute Swan 8 1 155 1 165
Peregrine Falcon 2 2
Pink footed goose 2 2
Shelduck 1 1
Sparrow Hawk 1 1
Unspecified 1 1
Unspecified Goose 1 1
Unspecified Swan 11 11
Whooper Swan 21 2 23
Wigeon 1 1
Common Buzzard 1 2 3
Red Kite 1 1
Wales 5 1 6
Little Grebe 1 1
Mute Swan 5 5
Scotland 17 2 19
Greylag goose 1 1
Mute Swan 7 7
Unspecified Swan 4 4
Whooper Swan 4 4
Knot 1 1
Red Knot 1 1 2
Northern Ireland 9
Peregrine Falcon 1
Unspecified Swan 6
Whooper Swan 2
Grand Total 10 6 284 1 9 311
6Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
HPAI in Europe since 08 February 2021
Table 4: Current outbreaks of HPAI H5 in domestic poultry and cases in wild birds
(since 08 February), in Europe, excluding the UK, according to OIE reporting. Please
note that this is a rapidly changing picture, with new disease reports being made to the
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on a regular basis.
H5 H5N3 H5N5 H5N8
Country Total
Wild Wild Wild
Poultry Poultry
Birds Birds Birds
Austria 1 1 2
Bulgaria 4 4
Czech
2 2
Republic
Denmark 1 36 37
Finland 1 1 2
France 1 1
Germany 4 4
Hungary 3 3
Latvia 1 1
Luxembourg 4 4
Poland 1 3 1 5
Ukraine 1 1
Total 4 1 2 18 41 66
7Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Since 08 February, Austria has reported one case of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds. This was in
the state of Vienna and the species affected was a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). Austria also
reported a case of HPAI H5N5 in a second wild Mute Swan; this was in its south-east state
of Styria.
Bulgaria has reported four outbreaks of HPAI H5 in poultry. All were in its central-northern
province of Pleven. Two of the outbreaks were at commercial Pekin duck premises, with
both being the result of active surveillance following a nearby outbreak (the bird-type of
which is unlisted on OIE). The remaining outbreak was at a premises of broiler breeders.
Czech Republic has reported two cases of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. These were in the
regions of Pardubice and Central Bohemia. Both were backyard premises containing
chickens, ducks and geese.
Denmark has reported 36 cases of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds. Of these, 29 were in the
West of Denmark (predominantly Jutland), and seven in the East. Affected species include
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Common Kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus), Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), Mute Swan (Cygnus olor),
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) and Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus).
Denmark has also reported one case of HPAI H5N3 in its West. The species affected was
a Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).
Finland has reported one outbreak of HPAI H5N8 in poultry and one case of HPAI H5N8
in wild birds. Both were in the province of Southern Finland. The poultry premises
contained farmed game birds (pheasants: approximately 1,335 birds), and the affected
wild bird species was a dead Mute Swan (Cygnus olor).
France has reported one case of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds. This was in the department of
Ardennes. Species affected were a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), and a Common
Magpie (Pica pica).
Germany has reported four outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. These were in the regions
of Bayern, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and included two turkey
farms (19,000 and 14,500 birds) and a broiler breeder premises (44,000 birds). The
remaining outbreak was a small, backyard premises of chickens and ducks.
Hungary has reported three outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. All were in the county of
Bacs-Kiskun, and all were in commercial premises of laying hens (populated with between
26,000 and 45,000 birds).
Latvia has reported one case of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds. This was in the republic city of
Jûrmala and species affected were two Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), both of which were
found dead.
8Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
Luxembourg has reported four cases of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. These were in the regions
of Diekirch, Capellen, Luxembourg and Mersch, and contained laying hens, broilers,
geese, quails and pigeons.
Poland has reported three outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. These were in the
provinces of Swietokrzyskie (a backyard premises), Warminsko-Mazurskie (a turkey
premises) and Wielkopolskie (laying hens). Poland also reported one case of HPAI H5N8
in wild birds (in the province of Kujawsko-Pomorskie): species affected a Garganey
(Spatula querquedula); and one case of HPAI H5N5 in wild birds (also in Kujawsko-
Pomorskie): species affected a Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula).
Ukraine has reported one outbreak of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. This was in the province of
Donetsk (and inside the 3km protection zone of a previous outbreaks). OIE does not report
the bird type or species.
Implications for the UK
The detection of four HPAI H5 subtypes in the same epidemic event is unparalleled in the
UK. All these viruses are genetically closely related through their H5 haemagglutinin gene,
which is the key viral gene influencing pathogenesis, host range, transmission, and host
immunity. Continued virus change by genetic reassortment in wild birds is not unexpected,
and further genetic variation at genome level may be expected as the epidemic
progresses. Surveillance within the disease control zones continues, and results of
investigations will be published in a comprehensive epidemiological report.
The migration season for wild waterfowl to overwinter in the UK has ended. A large
population of migratory waterfowl are still present however, and will not be leaving the UK
until March/April. Moreover, the higher survival rate of the virus in the environment during
winter means the risk of environmental transmission remains, and hence the continued
risk of secondary spread into indigenous UK wild bird species. Higher environmental
temperatures, together with increasing sunlight intensities, will reduce environmental levels
of HPAI virus and its associated risks, in the spring.
Monitoring weekly trends in disease reporting over the next few weeks is important with
regard to the emergence of a second peak of disease in the UK and Europe, which
occurred at this time of year in the 2016/17 H5N8 epizootic. The recent cold spell in north-
west Europe could have driven more birds to UK, particularly into Eastern England, with
the easterly winds from the Netherlands/Denmark. Wild bird cases in Ireland may be of
note, as some species will be migrating eastwards through England/Wales in the next few
weeks, although the whooper swans which have contributed to the cases will be heading
north.
The EU Reference laboratory (IZSVe 2021) data collated from ADNS for the EU 27 (to 9
am on 15 Feb 21), shows an increase in the number of wild bird cases from the end of
January to middle of February, with the number of cases increasing from ~30 per week to
9Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
~50 per week. This suggests the start of a second peak. However, it is worth noting that
most of these were from January, and two even from mid-December, thus making it more
difficult to assess whether this is an artefact, or if wild bird cases are actually increasing. It
is also interesting to note the increasing number of indigenous bird species being reported
in Europe, including mute swans, magpies and house sparrows; in addition to birds of prey
such as kestrels.
Following confirmation of cases of both HPAI H5N8 and H5N1, and low pathogenicity
avian influenza (LPAI) H5N2, in poultry, the UK is no longer free from notifiable avian
influenza under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) rules.
Where disease is confirmed, measures are put in place in accordance with Council
Directive 2005/94/EC. The EU will put safeguard measures in place, meaning that no trade
with the EU in live poultry or poultry products will be permitted from disease control zones.
Public Health England has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low from all three
HPAI strains detected and characterised to date (H5N8, H5N5, H5N1), and the Food
Standards Agency has said that avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK
consumers.
International Trade
All outbreaks have been reported to the OIE to provide the necessary transparency
required for maintaining international trade. Although the UK has temporarily lost its OIE
country freedom status from HPAI, it is applying effective regionalisation as well as
compartmentalisation, in order to maintain safe trade from unaffected populations of high
value, and high biosecurity, commercial poultry. This is supported by the ongoing
surveillance, as well as the safeguards applied via the APHA Centre for International
Trade, and the rigorous and standardised certification process by Official Veterinarians.
Conclusion
The risk of HPAI incursion in wild birds in GB remains VERY HIGH. The overall risk of
exposure of poultry in GB remains MEDIUM (with stringent biosecurity) TO HIGH (where
biosecurity is not adequate).
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is in place in England, Scotland and Wales and the
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, alongside the CVOs from Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland are urging bird keepers across the UK to take additional biosecurity measures; in
order to prevent further outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK.
It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict
biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease. These
housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in
as part of the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) on 11 November 2020.
10Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
If you keep poultry (including game birds or as pets), you should follow our biosecurity best
practice advice, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-
bird-flu#biosecurity-advice Remain vigilant for any signs of disease in your flock and
report any sign of avian influenza to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Further information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
including updated biosecurity advice for poultry keepers for England;
https://gov.wales/avian-influenza for Wales and; http://gov.scot/avianinfluenza for
Scotland.
The OIE/FAO International Reference Laboratory/UK National Reference Laboratory at
Weybridge has the necessary ongoing proven diagnostic capability for these strains of
virus, whether low or high pathogenicity AI, and continually monitors changes in the virus.
We will continue to report on any updates on the situation in Europe and, in particular, any
changes in disease distribution or wild bird movements which may increase the risk to the
UK.
We ask that the public use the Defra helpline (Tel: 03459 33 55 77) to report findings of
any dead wild birds. In particular, any wild ducks, wild geese, swans, gulls, or birds of
prey.
Authors
Anthony Pacey
Charlotte Coxon
Dr Paul Gale
Dr Francesca Gauntlett
Dr Clare Wild
References
All outbreaks and cases were taken from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Please
note that changes in format and level of detail are due to the change of data source for this report,
from EU’s Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) to World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE).
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#trade-import-and-export-issues
IZSVe (2021). https://www.izsvenezie.com/reference-laboratories/avian-influenza-
newcastle-disease/europe-update/
11Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Advice Services Team - International Disease Monitoring
© Crown copyright 2021
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PSI@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk
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diseases-international-monitoring
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