Avian flu case confirmed in Norfolk
Three cases of avian flu have been detected in commercial poultry premises since November.
A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in poultry at a premises near Watton, Norfolk.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place, and all poultry on the premises will be humanely culled. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.
At a nearby premises in Norfolk, birds have been pre-emptively culled due to suspicion of the virus based on observed clinical signs. Control zones have been placed around the site.
Last month, the H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, and a case of the H5N1 strain was found at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall. Before then, the virus had not been detected in captive birds in England since 14 February.
On 1 December, the 3km protection zone near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, was ended and became part of the 10km surveillance zone following the completion of disease control activities.
Cases of the H5N1 and the H5N5 strain were confirmed in wild birds in Great Britain during the autumn. The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and follow robust biosecurity measures.
Clinical signs of avian flu infection must be reported in England to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Cases in Wales should be reported on 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, the local Field Services Office must be contacted.
A map of the disease control zones can be found here.
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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.
