Bird flu: near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire (AIV2026/15)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire on 3 March 2026.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 3 March 2026

• Disease Type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
• Disease control zone restrictions: In force
• Disease control zone type: Protection zone and Surveillance zone
• Virus strain: H5N1
• Case opened date: 3 March 2026

Case information

3 March 2026

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at a commercial premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire on 3 March 2026.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

Declarations

Download the declaration of an avian influenza protection zone and surveillance 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 2026/15

Published 3 March 2026