The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reports that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, also known as bird flu, has been confirmed at a premises near Wem, Shropshire.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises. Although the infected premises is in England, part of the SZ extends into the Wrexham local authority area of Wales.
The APHA advises that all bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.
A regional avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity and housing measures is also in place across:
- The East Riding of Yorkshire
- The City of Kingston upon Hull
- Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk
All bird keepers in the AIPZ must keep their birds housed to protect them from bird flu. This applies to pet birds, commercial flocks and just a few birds in a backyard flock. These housing and biosecurity measures are to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of disease occurring.
Please check the disease control zones on our avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place and the biosecurity guidance available on GOV.UK and GOV.WALES.
Definitive requirements are set out in the published declarations for each disease control zone currently in force. More information is available on GOV.UK and GOV.WALES.
Picture: Stock image
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