Avian flu confirmed at tenth Lincolnshire premises
The UK's chief vet has urged poultry keepers to take biosecurity steps to protect their flocks.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a tenth premises in Lincolnshire, the APHA has confirmed.
All birds at the affected premises, based near Alford, East Lindsey, will be humanely culled and a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been placed around the premises.
To date, the Government has confirmed 62 cases of avian influenza in England this season. There have also been five confirmed cases in Scotland and three cases in Wales.
The UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss previously urged poultry keepers to undertake urgent biosecurity measures to keep their birds safe and prevent the further spread of the disease.
She said:“We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease including introducing housing measures. However, we are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country.
“Implementing scrupulous biosecurity has never been more critical. You must regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
