Bird flu: near Castle Hedingham, Braintree, Essex (AIV 2025/123)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds near Castle Hedingham, Braintree, Essex on 6 December 2025.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 8 December 2025

• Disease Type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
• Disease control zone restrictions: In force
• Disease control zone type: Captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone
• Virus strain: H5N1
• Case opened date: 6 December 2025

Case information

6 December 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a backyard flock of captive birds near Castle Hedingham, Braintree, Essex. A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around the premises.

Download the declaration of a captive bird (monitoring) control zone

Further information

Check:

• the updated bird flu disease control zone map
• if you need a licence to move poultry, poultry by-products, eggs, material or mammals

Case number: AIV 2025/123

Published 8 December 2025