H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads Across UK and US with New Poultry Outbreaks and Ongoing Human Cases in 2025

This is Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update for Wednesday, November 12, 2025. I’m your host. Here are today’s top stories. Top stories First, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in a large commercial poultry unit near Woodbridge in East Suffolk, England, according to the UK government’s DEFRA bulletin. All poultry on the premises will be culled and a 3-kilometer protection zone plus a 10-kilometer surveillance zone have been declared. Second, Scotland reported a new H5N1 outbreak today near Lanark, South Lanarkshire. Scottish authorities have implemented control zones and culling measures to contain the virus, as detailed by the Scottish Government. Third, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are now 70 confirmed human H5N1 cases nationally since early 2024. Most recent cases remain associated with exposure to infected farm animals, especially dairy herds and poultry workers. The CDC continues to emphasize that while the public health risk is assessed as low, ongoing surveillance is a priority. Case numbers Compared to yesterday, the UK reports a net increase of two confirmed poultry outbreaks, one in Suffolk, England, and one in Lanark, Scotland. Ireland confirmed its third commercial turkey farm outbreak for November, in County Monaghan, bringing nationwide totals for the month to three, according to the Irish Examiner. The United States continues to hold steady with roughly 70 human cases on record, as reported by the CDC, with no new cases reported in the last 24 hours. New guidance and official statements The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs reminds all poultry keepers to remain vigilant and, where directed, house birds indoors, particularly in designated disease control zones. Movement restrictions and heightened biosecurity remain in effect in affected regions. Meanwhile, California authorities have lifted movement restrictions for poultry, but dairy cattle surveillance persists due to ongoing H5N1 activity in herds. Interview snippet Now, a brief interview excerpt with Dr. Louise Moncla, a virologist at Penn Vet, discussing the current spread: “Wild birds continue to play a significant role in H5N1 outbreaks across North America. While we’ve made progress containing outbreaks in poultry, the virus’s presence in wildlife remains a key challenge for disease control.” Looking ahead For Thursday, November 13, authorities expect further testing results from surveillance zones in Suffolk, England, and Lanark, Scotland, which could reveal additional cases. The CDC plans to update targeted surveillance data by the end of the week. Commercial producers and backyard flock owners alike are being urged to review their biosecurity protocols in light of the ongoing risk from migrating wild birds and local farm exposures. Thank you for tuning in to the Bird Flu Bulletin: Daily H5N1 Update. Come back next week for the latest outbreak information, ex This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.