The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) reports that two further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, also known as bird flu, have been confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside and a premises near Bodmin, Cornwall.
3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been put in place around each premises. Please note, that although both infected premises are in England, Flintshire, Wales is also within one of the Surveillance Zones. The APHA reports that bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.
In addition, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures is in force across Great Britain and a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory housing and biosecurity measures is also in force and covers the following:
- North Yorkshire
- York
- An area in Shropshire
- The East Riding of Yorkshire
- The City of Kingston upon Hull
- Lincolnshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk.
All bird keepers in these areas 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 the avian influenza interactive map to see what restrictions are in place and the biosecurity guidance. Additional information is 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.
Picture caption: stock image.
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