The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, has announced that an H5N8 avian flu case was confirmed in a small backyard flock of chickens at a farm near Thornton, Wyre, Lancashire.
The flock is estimated to contain around 30 birds, with a number of them having already died from the disease, while the remaining live birds at the premises are being “humanely culled”.
Defra said that a full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection, while a three kilometre protection zone and a ten kilometre surveillance zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of spreading the disease.
Following the news, Public Health England has advised that the risk to public health from the virus is “very low” and the Food Standards Agency is “clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers”.
A ban on poultry gatherings remains in place across the UK until 15th May, which applies to birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, and it restricts events such as livestock fairs, auctions and bird shows.
The ban is expected to be lifted after that date, with gatherings being allowed subject to some additional identity and health checks and biodiversity measures.
Defra clarifies that all disease control measures are kept under review based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
