The UK government has announced that an additional outbreak of bird flu (avian influenza) has been detected at a third commercial poultry farm in Watton, Mid Norfolk.
Following two previous outbreaks in poultry farms in the area on December 5 and December 9 respectively, the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), was identified at the affected premises yesterday (December 17), after clinical signs were observed in the flock.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) declared that a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been subsequently drawn around the the farm, with all poultry in residence set to be humanely culled, in accordance with regulations.
This brings the total number of bird flu outbreaks detected in Norfolk up to eight, since the first case was reported by Defra on December 5.
In addition to the outbreak identified in Watton yesterday, avian influenza was also confirmed by the department in a second commercial poultry premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk, on the same day.
The same control measures were implemented surrounding this premises, including a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone, to curb the spread of further infection.
The H5N1 virus had also been confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Cranworth, mid Norfolk last week while earlier this month, there had also been three confirmations in mid Norfolk and one in Dereham.
According to Defra, there are currently nine confirmed cases of the H5N1 bird flu virus in England and one case of the H5N5 virus, while no outbreaks have been detected in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as of yet.
On the back of these detections, the UK government has urged British farmers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease, to continue the practice of good biosecurity measures and to take immediate action when necessary, to help curb its incidence.
Farmers and poultry holders residing in bird flu disease control zones, must also legally adhere to the specific rules in place to mitigate the risk of further infection, some of which include;
- No movement of birds and/or other mammals to, from and or around the control zone, unless the movement is licensed by an inspector;
- A record of anyone that transports or markets poultry or poultry eggs;
- Compliance with biosecurity rules imposed by veterinary inspectors, including the cleansing and disinfection of vehicles and equipment;
- Adherence to rules for marking, sourcing;
- No participation in bird gatherings of any kind;
- Prohibition of the release of game birds in the control zone;
- No spreading of poultry litter, manure or slurry;
- Keep poultry and other captive birds housed;
- Disposal of carcasses in accordance with veterinary inspectors instructions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that bird flu is primarily a disease affecting birds, and does not constitute a significant risk to general public health.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also confirmed that bird flu presents a “very low food safety risk” for UK consumers, assuring people that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe for consumption.
