New bird flu case confirmed in Suffolk
A new case of H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed by Defra at a poultry premises near Redgrave in Suffolk.
The case was confirmed on 14th February after laboratory analysis identified the presence of H5N8, the same highly pathogenic strain which has been found in a number of wild and farmed birds in the UK since December 2016.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have now been put in place around the infected premises, which was estimated to contain approximately 23,000 birds, to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Defra has reported that a number of birds have died and those remaining at the premises will be humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.
A Prevention Zone across the UK is currently in place until 28th February. Beyond that date Defra has set out UK-wide mandatory biosecurity measures, whilst higher risk areas will be required to continue housing or range netting their flock.
An interactive map is available to poultry keepers on the Defra website, which identifies areas likely to be affected by the various control or restriction zones imposed by the government based on current risk levels.
