Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in poultry at a premises near Lowestoft, East Suffolk in Suffolk.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the H5N1 bird flu strain in the Suffolk birds yesterday (Thursday, September 29).
As per protocol, a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place surrounding them premises.
All birds on the infected site will also be humanely culled.
The second-most recent case of bird flu was found in commercial poultry at a premises near Selby in North Yorkshire on Wednesday (September 28).
These bring the number of bird flu cases in England to 134, as the UK continues to experience its biggest outbreak ever.
Cases have also been confirmed at sites in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Defra is advising any birdkeeper with concerns about the health of their birds to seek prompt advice from their vet and as always, to maintain high biosecurity standards.
It asks that the public notifies the department if they suspect avian influenza in poultry or captive birds.
On the issue of wilds birds, Defra asks the public to call its helpline if they find:
- One or more dead bird of prey or owl;
- Three or more dead gulls or waterfowl (wans, geese and ducks);
- Five or more dead birds of any species.
Defra also asks the public not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick that they come across.
