DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency published an updated High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak assessment covering Great Britain and Europe as of April 10, 2026. The assessment includes risk evaluations for bird fairs, shows, markets, sales, and other gatherings, as well as updated data on H5Nx detections in dairy cattle. Multiple risk assessment documents are available covering the period from February through April 2026.
DEFRA is consulting on a potential exemption from biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements for certain residential developments on brownfield land in England. The consultation seeks views on whether an exemption should be introduced, what size thresholds should apply, and how brownfield residential development should be defined. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 10 June 2026.