UK Animal And Plant Health Agency

Travel with Assistance Dogs: Transport Companies and Routes

The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains guidance listing transport companies registered to transport assistance dogs in compliance with UK pet travel rules. The page was last updated on 17 April 2026 to reflect changes in the registered airlines and airports. Travellers must use registered companies or risk quarantine and delays for their assistance dogs.

Confirmed Avian Influenza Cases in Wild Birds, Great Britain

The Animal and Plant Health Agency publishes regularly updated data on confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) findings in wild birds across Great Britain. The page contains annual surveillance data files from winter 2016-17 through week 16 of 2026, updated weekly with new findings. This represents routine government wildlife disease surveillance data rather than regulatory action.

Bovine TB Surveillance Testing in England - Herd Testing Frequency Updated

The Animal and Plant Health Agency has updated its bovine TB surveillance testing policy for England, clarifying that cattle in herds located in TB Hotspots and Enhanced Surveillance Areas in the Low Risk Area (LRA) may now be tested as frequently as every 6 months. Previously, only herds in TB Hotspots were subject to this testing frequency. The update also clarifies statutory pre-movement testing requirements for herds tested annually or more frequently in the LRA, reflecting the introduction of 24-month testing as an option.

Bird Flu (HPAI H5N1) Outbreak in England - Guidance for Bird Keepers

The Animal and Plant Health Agency reports highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 confirmed in four commercial poultry units near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire (April 2026) and one near Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire (April 2026), with 3km protection zones and 10km surveillance zones declared around each premise. The UK is no longer classified as free from HPAI under WOAH rules following the first 2025-2026 season case on 11 October 2025. The 2025-2026 season has recorded 100 HPAI cases UK-wide (79 in England, 9 Scotland, 7 Wales, 5 Northern Ireland).

Bird Flu Rules on Meat from Poultry and Farmed Game Birds in Disease Control Zones

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA published guidance setting out rules for food businesses handling meat from poultry or farmed game birds originating within bird flu disease control zones. The guidance covers marking, separation, and movement requirements for meat intended for human consumption. The document has been updated extensively since November 2022, with the most recent update on 17 April 2026.