Independent report

Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Great Britain: evaluation and future actions

An independent scientific evaluation of evidence around highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Great Britain.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Details

In December 2022 an independent Scientific Advisory Group in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIG) - working within Defra’s Science Advisory Council’s Exotic and Emerging Animal Diseases (SAC-ED) subgroup - was tasked with assessing the current HPAI epidemic in Great Britain.

This report documents the HPAIGs findings and examines the challenging situation in terms of HPAI’s impact on both wild birds and domesticated poultry and gamebirds. The report covers the period October 2021 to February 2023.

The HPAIG was commissioned by Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser in consultation with the Chief Veterinary Officer and consisted of independent experts covering expertise in veterinary science, epidemiology and modelling, ecology, virology, ornithology, immunology and social science.

Updates to this page

Published 30 March 2023

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