December 20, 2024

More bird flu cases confirmed in England, UK prompting expanded preventive measures

Two additional cases of bird flu have been identified in commercial premises in Norfolk, England, UK, bringing the total number of recent cases in the region to six.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus in captive birds at sites near Attleborough and Gayton. In response, two monitoring control zones have been established around each location, with radii of 3 km and 10 km. All birds at the affected premises will be humanely culled to prevent further spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, another case was confirmed near Cranworth, close to Watton, while three other cases were reported earlier this month in mid-Norfolk. These included two cases in Watton and one in Dereham, approximately 16km (10 miles) away.

Defra announced the implementation of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and parts of Yorkshire. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of additional outbreaks.

Under the AIPZ, all bird keepers in the affected areas are legally required to adopt measures to reduce the likelihood of further disease transmission.

-      BBC News