Bird flu hits high biosecurity broiler breeder unit

A high biosecurity broiler breeding unit in Cumbria has been hit with avian influenza (H5N1) impacting 43,000 birds.

The outbreak near Wetheral, Cumberland, was confirmed by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency on Sunday (28 September).

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

All poultry on site will be humanely culled, taking the total number culled to 2.36m since the start of the current bird flu “season” last October.

See also: Tips on ensuring poultry biosecurity measures are effective

In a statement, Defra said it encourages bird keepers to practise good biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of birds and for commercial keepers to protect their business from highly pathogenic avian influenza and other diseases.

Disappointing

The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (Bfrepa) said the news was very disappointing as GB was edging closer to officially avian influenza free status.

“This is devastating for the business involved and for GB as whole as we were only a few days away from being classed officially AI free,” said Gary Ford, head of strategy at Bfrepa.

“This now continues to impact the trade of poultry products and genetics.”

Stringent biosecurity

Mr Ford added that broiler breeding units comply with the most stringent biosecurity measures, but they are still vulnerable.

“Whilst the risk factor for such units is generally low, given the very high hygiene standards they comply with, it shows that this virus can get in anywhere,” he told Farmers Weekly.

The Cumbria unit was the third broiler breeder flock affected since October 2024, Mr Ford added, and only one broiler breeder was impacted the previous season.

Season ahead

The outlook for the upcoming winter season remains unpredictable, Bfrepa said.

“It’s difficult to predict the season ahead, but there is great concern for the coming winter,” said Mr Ford who explained that currently 907 wild birds have been confirmed positive with avian influenza in Great Britain.

“Similar years have corresponded with a high level of cases in commercial flocks, though current wild bird cases are largely confined to coastal locations for now, which gives some hope,” he added.