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Norfolk Bird Flu Outbreak: Third Case Confirmed Near Dereham
23 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A third bird flu case was confirmed in Norfolk this month.
- The H5N1 virus was detected at a commercial poultry unit near Dereham.
- Protection and surveillance zones have been established around the infected site.
A third instance of bird flu has been confirmed in Norfolk this month, raising concerns within the agricultural community. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that the H5N1 virus was detected at a significant commercial poultry operation located near Dereham. This discovery marks the third case in the county this month and contributes to a wider outbreak affecting England.
In response to the confirmed case, a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the affected premises. Defra has stated that all poultry on the site will undergo humane culling to prevent further spread of the virus. This incident follows earlier reports of bird flu near Dereham on December 8 and December 20.
The total number of confirmed bird flu cases in Norfolk has now reached 13, with 61 cases reported across England. While bird flu primarily affects avian populations, it can occasionally transmit to other animals. Defra has assured the public that the risk of transmission to humans is very low, but advises against touching any dead or sick wild birds.
