Outbreak of Avian Flu in East Sussex - 1 November 2025

East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council are calling on residents and businesses who house birds, to remain alert for any signs of disease and report any cases of suspected disease immediately.

The call follows an outbreak of Avian Flu in Wealden District. Following testing, the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) have notified the Council’s of a new outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in a commercial poultry flock near Uckfield in East Sussex.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been implemented with immediate effect. Animal Health Officers will be working to advise flock keepers and members of the public to be alert and take necessary precautions to help prevent the spread of the disease. Please visit the APHA website for guidance for bird keepers and the public. Restrictions on the movement of birds in these areas will also be in place.

Flock keepers are being asked to look for any signs of diseases whilst ensuring good levels of biosecurity at their premises.

Advice for members of the public

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

For more information about bird flu and biosecurity visit,  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu  or phone to report any of the above symptoms in birds to the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77

More information on the location and restriction zones can be seen via the following link: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d