H5N8 confirmed in Lancashire backyard flock
Prior to the latest case in Lancashire, the most recent outbreak in poultry in England was 24 February 2017.
An outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza has been detected in a small backyard flock of chickens near Thornton, Lancashire.
Defra says a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the premises to reduce the risk of disease spreading.
The flock is estimated to contain around 30 birds, of which a number have died. The remaining live birds are being humanely culled and a full investigation is underway to determine the source of infection.
The news comes just a week after Defra announced plans to lift England’s avian flu prevention zone and ban on poultry gatherings from 15 May, provided there are no further cases in poultry or wild birds.
Prior to the latest case in Lancashire, the most recent outbreak in poultry in England was 24 February 2017, while the last wild bird case was confirmed on 10 March 2017.
Public Health England maintains that the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
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