A bird flu surveillance zone remains in effect across a significant portion of the Somerset Levels following recent updates from central government health authorities.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain was initially identified on November 29, 2025, at a large commercial poultry farm near Ashcott, located between Bridgwater and Street. In response, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) established a three-mile protection zone around the site and extended a ten-mile surveillance zone encompassing surrounding areas. All poultry at the affected premises were subsequently culled to prevent further spread.
Due to recent adjustments related to bird gatherings, Defra has revised the boundaries of both the protection and surveillance zones. New signage has been installed along major roads to inform motorists traveling through the affected regions.
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A separate outbreak of the same H5N1 strain among non-commercial captive birds has prompted the creation of a three-kilometre (1.8-mile) “captive bird controlled zone” in the Dunwear area of Bridgwater.
The three-mile protection zone includes the villages of Ashcott and Walton, parts of Street (including Street Business Park on Gravenchon Way), and a large section of the Avalon Marshes local nature reserve. The broader ten-mile surveillance zone covers the entirety of Butleigh, Compton Dundon, Glastonbury, Middlezoy, Othery, and Street, along with most of Somerton and Westonzoyland, as well as portions of Woolavington to the east and Wedmore to the south.
Businesses or individuals involved in poultry activities within either the protection or surveillance zones are required to maintain detailed records of all visitors, including dates, times, and whether any direct contact with birds occurred.
Mandatory housing measures remain enforced under guidance from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Specifically, bird keepers with 50 or more birds must house them at all times, regardless of bird type. Those with fewer than 50 birds that are kept solely for personal use and not sold or given away are exempt from housing requirements. However, anyone with fewer than 50 birds who sells or distributes eggs, poultry products, or live birds must comply with mandatory housing rules.
Defra and APHA have confirmed that these restrictions will stay in place until further notice. Updates will be communicated through official government channels.