Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in commercial poultry at premises near Selby in North Yorkshire.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the H5N1 strain of the disease at the premises yesterday (Wednesday, September 28).

In line with bird flu protocol, a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises.

All birds on the infected premises will also be humanly culled to stopped further potential spreading.

Bird flu

The second-most recent case of bird flu to be confirmed was in commercial poultry at a premises near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk on Tuesday (September 27).

This is the second premise in Norfolk to have a confirmed case of the disease. As a result of the threat to the area, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been put in place.

This means that from midday on Tuesday, all bird keepers in the affected areas must follow biosecurity measures and they are advised to consult the interactive map to check if they are impacted.

“Following an increased number of detections of avian influenza, we have decaled an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Sufolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex,” the UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer, Richard Irvine, said.

“This means that all bird keepers in the region must urgently take action now to both prevent disease getting into flocks and it spreading any further.”

Defra message to bird keepers

Defra is advising anybody with any concerns about the health of their birds to seek prompt advice from their vet.

It asks that the public notifies the department if they suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds.

In the case of wild birds, the department asks the public to called its helpline if they find:

  • One or more dead bird of prey or owl;
  • Three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks);
  • Five or more dead birds of any species.

Defra is also warning the public to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they come across.

AVIAN INFLUENZA BIRD FLU NORTH YORKSHIRE POULTRY