DEFRA has lifted the Protection Zone introduced in response to the H7N7 avian flu outbreak on a free range unit near Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Active surveillance in the area has shown no evidence of disease spread and infection appears to be confined to the one infected premises.

Restrictions being lifted include the requirement to house birds. Surveillance Zone controls will instead apply in the area with restrictions remaining on bird gatherings and movements of poultry and poultry products.