November 3, 2020

Birds at Kent, UK, slaughtered following suspected bird flu case

All birds at a poultry farm in Kent, England, the United Kingdom, have been culled after the flock was suspected to have low-pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu.

"Following testing at a small commercial poultry premises near Deal, Dover District in Kent, the UK government has decided to slaughter the flock on suspicion of avian influenza and declare a 1km temporary movement restriction zone for captive birds," said a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

"These are precautionary measures and avian influenza has not been confirmed on the site."

Defra has issued the following advice for tackling avian influenza which is currently classified as "medium risk".

Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

The UK government is urging bird owners to register poultry, even if only kept as pets, so it can contact owners during an outbreak.

- Agriland