DEFRA investigates poultry premises in eastern England

A routine veterinary investigation is ongoing at two poultry premises in East Anglia, into the possible presence of bird flu, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed on Thursday (Feb 26).

Animal Health began the investigation late on Tuesday (Feb 24) evening. Laboratory tests are ongoing and there is no conclusion yet, but results so far have confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus, and that it is neither H5 nor H7.

Restrictions remain in place on the premises while the investigation continues. No further precautionary restrictions are considered necessary in the area at present.

Routine veterinary investigations into notifiable diseases occur on a regular basis. It is a legal requirement to notify the Animal Health agency of the possibility of such diseases whenever these cannot be ruled out by a vet or an animal keeper as part of the diagnosis of illness in animals or birds.