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H5N8 confirmed in Lancashire backyard flock
Prior to the latest case in Lancashire, the most recent outbreak in poultry in England was 24 February 2017.
Protection and surveillance zones in place

An outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza has been detected in a small backyard flock of chickens near Thornton, Lancashire.

Defra says a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the premises to reduce the risk of disease spreading.

The flock is estimated to contain around 30 birds, of which a number have died. The remaining live birds are being humanely culled and a full investigation is underway to determine the source of infection.

The news comes just a week after Defra announced plans to lift England’s avian flu prevention zone and ban on poultry gatherings from 15 May, provided there are no further cases in poultry or wild birds.

Prior to the latest case in Lancashire, the most recent outbreak in poultry in England was 24 February 2017, while the last wild bird case was confirmed on 10 March 2017.

Public Health England maintains that the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.