The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reports that two further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, otherwise known as bird flu, have been confirmed at:

  • a premises near Alford, East Lindsay, Lincolnshire
  • a second premises near Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire.

3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been put in place around each premises. The APHA advises that all bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures is now in place across all of England and Scotland. The AIPZ with mandatory housing and biosecurity measures is now in place across:

  • North Yorkshire
  • An area in Shropshire
  • The East Riding of Yorkshire
  • The City of Kingston upon Hull
  • Lincolnshire
  • Norfolk
  • Suffolk

All bird keepers in the AIPZ with mandatory housing 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.

The APHA advises bird keepers to check the disease control zones on the avian influenza interactive map for an overview of restrictions and biosecurity guidance by area. Additional information is also available on GOV.UK.

Picture: stock image

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