A new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in Cornwall.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the presence of the H5N1 bird-flu strain at a premises neat Torpoint in southeast Cornwall yesterday (Thursday, September 8).

As per protocol, a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the premises and all poultry and captive birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

This brings the number of bird flu cases in Cornwall to two; H5N1 was confirmed at a premises near Constantine, Camborne and Redruth in Cornwall on August 29.

Due to the spread of bird flu in southwest England and the risk that poses, a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared in the area on August 31.

It applies to Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Somerset.

A map of the AIPZ via gov.uk

Within the AIPZ it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures to help their flocks. These mandatory measures are outlined in the AIPZ declaration published online by Defra.

The need for further regional or England-wide AIPZs is being reviewed regularly by the government, it said, as part of its work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu. 

AVIAN INFLUENZA BIRD FLU CORNWALL