February 19, 2024

Bird flu detected in commercial poultry in East Yorkshire, UK

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in commercial poultry near Hutton Cranswick, East Yorkshire, UK, BBC News reported.

Following the discovery, Defra has implemented precautionary measures, establishing a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone around the affected premises to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. The protection zone encompasses areas including Tophill Low, Hempholme, Emmotland, and Burshill.

Defra has mandated the humane culling of all poultry on the affected property as a preventive measure against further transmission of the disease.

Bird flu, which affects both poultry and wild birds, has been a concern for over a century, typically manifesting in autumn and subsiding in spring and summer. The disease spreads rapidly through bird droppings, saliva, contaminated feed, and water, posing significant risks to bird populations within a short span of time.

-      BBC News