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
• Last updated: 9 April 2026 — See all updates

• Disease Type: Bird flu (avian influenza)
• Disease control zone restrictions: No longer in force
• Disease control zone type: None
• Virus strain: H5N1
• Case opened date: 3 March 2026
• Case closed date: 9 April 2026

Case information

9 April 2026

Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in zone around a premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire (AIV 2026/15) the 10km surveillance zone has been revoked.

31 March 2026

Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in zone around a premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire (AIV 2026/15) the 3km protection zone has ended and the area that formed it becomes part of the surveillance zone.

All poultry on the premises have been humanely culled.

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 the revocation of a surveillance zone

This revokes:

Download the declaration of the ending of a protection zone

This revokes and replaces:

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

Last updated 9 April 2026 + show all updates

1. 9 April 2026

   Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in zone around a premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire (AIV 2026/15) the 10km surveillance zone has been revoked.

2. 31 March 2026

   Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in zone around a premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire (AIV 2026/15) the 3km protection zone has ended and the area that formed it becomes part of the surveillance zone. All poultry on the premises have been humanely culled.

3. 3 March 2026

   First published.