UK: DEFRA Reports Outbreak Of HPAI H5N8 In Norfolk

Norfolk

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Last yesterday DEFRA, the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, confirmed an outbreak of HPAI H5N8 in a small flock in South Norfolk, near the border with Suffolk county.

This comes not quite a month after the UK's last outbreak in Thornton, Wyre, Lancashire, and just three weeks after the Avian Flu Prevention Zone and ban on poultry gatherings was lifted for most of the country in mid-May.

Although the level of avian flu activity in Europe is but a small fraction of what it was a couple of months ago, over the past week we've seen HPAI reports from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and Italy.

A reminder that the virus continues to circulate in wild and migratory birds - even during the summer - and that while reduced, the threat has not gone away completely.

Avian flu confirmed at a farm near Diss, South Norfolk

3 June 2017

 

H5N8 avian flu has been confirmed in a small flock of chickens and geese at a premises near Diss, South Norfolk.

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian flu in a small flock of chickens and geese at a premises near Diss, South Norfolk. A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The flock is estimated to contain approximately 35 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises are being humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advises 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.

Keepers are urged to continue to be vigilant and look out for the signs of avian flu in their flocks, informing the Animal and Plant Health Agency should they suspect infection.

Read the latest advice and information on avian flu in the UK, including actions to reduce the risk of the disease spreading, advice for anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds and details of previous cases. Journalists with queries should contact Defra press office.