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Health officials have issued a fresh update on the spread of a "highly pathogenic" strain of bird flu after a rise in outbreaks across the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the return of the H5N1 strain for the 2025-26 winter season, with cases detected in both wild birds and commercial poultry across the country. However, experts say the risk to the public remains very low.

So far, 47 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed, with 36 in England, seven in Wales, three in Northern Ireland and one in Scotland.

The first case of the season was detected in England on October 11, with protection and surveillance zones now in place around infected areas. England and Wales have been placed under a prevention zon

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