England and Scotland have each reported one new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, with the two cases being confirmed within 48 hours of each other.
The first case was been identified at a premises near Penicuik, Midlothian in Scotland on Thursday, February 12, which resulted in a 3km protection zone being put in place.
Another case of bird flu was detected at a premises near Ancroft, Northumberland in England on Saturday, February 14.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone had been established surrounding the Northumberland premises.
Additionally, Defra outlined that “all birds on the premises will be humanely culled.”
Bird flu
These two new cases come at a time when the risk of the virus across Great Britain remains at a “very high” level, with an extra 12 cases confirmed during this bird flu season compared to last year’s.
Defra’s bird flu outbreak season runs from October 1 to September 30 each year and the current season has reached a total of 94 cases in the UK so far.
According to Defra’s statistics, 74 cases of HPAI H5N1 have been confirmed in England, nine in Scotland, seven in Wales and four in Northern Ireland during the current bird flu season.
Biosecurity
England, Scotland and Wales are currently in an avian influenza prevention zone, which enforces strict biosecurity measures on all poultry farms and other premises where birds are kept.
Bird keepers in England and Wales must also house their flock if it consists of 50 birds or more due to the mandatory housing order currently in place, with Scotland having no such order at this time, subject to review.
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, the World Organisation for Animal Health recently declared the country to be free from avian influenza on Wednesday, February 11.
