Another case of bird flu (H5N8 avian flu) has been identified in the UK, this time in a flock of pheasants at a farm in Wyre, Lancashire, the UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed.
According to DEFRA, the case was proactively identified as part of a routine investigation of premises traced as a result of confirmation of the disease in Lancashire earlier this week.
There is a business link between the two premises.
The flock is estimated to contain approximately 1,000 birds. A number of birds in the flock have died and laboratory results of samples taken were positive for H5N8.
The remaining birds at the premises are being humanely culled.
A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection and related premises have been placed under restrictions which will remain in place until all investigations are complete.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone are in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
This is the third case of bird flu to be confirmed in the UK this week, with the virus being found in both flocks of pheasants and turkeys earlier this week.
Case Of Bird Flu In Ireland
A fourth case of avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed in Ireland this week.
The case was identified in a whooper swan around the Leitrim/Longford border. It is the second case to be identified in a whooper swan in Ireland.
Last week, the Department of Agriculture confirmed a third case of bird flu in a whooper swan in the Borrisokane area of Tipperary.
The two other cases of the disease were found in wigeons, one in Wexford and one in Galway.
The Department has warned poultry owners and those with backyard flocks to confine their birds, even if they only keep a few chickens.
