H5N8 outbreak at Lincolnshire turkey farm
Defra says the flock is estimated to contain around 19,500 birds. (stock photo)
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza at a turkey farm near Boston, Lincolnshire.
Defra says the flock is estimated to contain around 19,500 birds. A number have died and the remainder will be humanely culled.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone has been put in place around the premises and a full investigation is being carried out to determine the source of infection.
H5N8 cases have previously been detected in Wyre, Lancashire on 24 January, East Lindsey, Lancashire, on 16 January; Settle, North Yorkshire on 6 January; Carmarthenshire, Wales, on 4 January and Lincolnshire on 16 December. A number of cases have also been detected in wild birds.
The advice from Public Health England remains that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk to consumers.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
