Two bird flu cases reported in the UK
Following the confirmation of low pathogenic Avian Influenza of the H5N2 strain at a small commercial farm near Deal, Kent, a further unrelated case has been confirmed at a site near Frodsham in Cheshire.
All birds on both sites will be humanely culled to limit the spread of disease. Control zones have also been put in place around the infected sites to limit the risk of spread; a 1km Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) Restricted Zone has been enforced at the Deal site and a temporary 3km and a 10km control zone has been put in place around the Frodsham premises to limit the spread of the H5N8 strain. Further testing is underway at the latest site to determine if the H5N8 strain in Cheshire is highly pathogenic and potentially related to the virus currently circulating Europe.
Public Health England (PHE) has declared that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency stated that bird flu poses a minimal food safety risk for UK consumers; thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products are safe to eat.
“Two unrelated cases of Avian Influenza have been confirmed at different sites in the UK. Immediate action has been taken to limit the risk of spread, including plans to cull the remaining poultry and captive birds at the farm. Bird keepers must remain vigilant and report any signs of the disease, whilst ensuring that good biosecurity is practiced onsite.
We are working with Defra and are remaining vigilant on poultry sites to minimise the risk to the national flock. We will closely follow this and provide an update over the coming days,” said Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, Richard Griffiths.
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