Avian flu outbreak confirmed in Norfolk

A new outbreak of avian flu has been confirmed in a small flock of chickens and geese in Norfolk.

The UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer said a number of birds in the flock of 35, in Diss, south Norfolk, had died from the disease, and the remaining birds are being humanely culled.

A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

See also: Avian flu restrictions to end in most of England

Defra said a full investigation is under way to establish the source of the infection, but urged keepers to continue to be vigilant, and inform the Animal and Plant Health Agency of any signs of infection.

This latest outbreak of the H5N8 strain of avian flu, which has been detected in both commercial and wild flocks in England since December 2016, comes a month after Defra lifted countrywide poultry restrictions put in place to limit the spread of the disease.

North West prevention zone

A new avian flu prevention zone applies only to certain areas of Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside due to “heightened risk”. Keepers from these areas are banned from attending poultry gatherings and must observe strict disease prevention measures.

Currently, the UK’s chief veterinary officer says the overall risk in England is “low” compared with the level in November 2016.

Two additional surveillance zones also remain in place around two premises near Thornton, Wyre, Lancashire.