Avian flu confirmed in poultry in Yorkshire
“Winter is a greater risk period for avian influenza and this case demonstrates that” – Christine Middlemiss.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N5 has been confirmed at a commercial poultry premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
Restrictions on the movement of captive birds apply in the control zones, as well as on the movement of carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure. Captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.
It is the first time that avian influenza has been detected in captive birds in England since February. Bird keepers have been urged to remain vigilant and practise good biosecurity.
The detection of the virus in captive birds was confirmed on the same day that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that avian influenza risk levels had risen in Great Britain after both H5N5 and H5N1 were detected in wild birds this autumn.
The risk level in wild birds has risen from medium to high. The risk for poultry where good biosecurity is consistently applied at all times has increased from very low to low with low uncertainty. The risk for poultry where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity remains low, but is heightened with high uncertainty.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the risk to the general public’s health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
“Winter is a greater risk period for avian influenza and this case demonstrates that, now is the time if you are a bird keeper to ensure you have very robust biosecurity. Bird keepers must remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds either online or by calling Defra on 03459 33 55 77.
A map of the disease control zones can be found here.
Image © Shutterstock
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.
