The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that a case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. otherwise known as bird flu, has been detected on a poultry farm in Co. Durham.
The case, confirmed on Wednesday (June 17) in Bishop Auckland, has triggered a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the property.
Defra confirmed that all poultry on the property will now be culled in a humane way.
This is the second case of the disease this month, as a case was also confirmed by the government in West Yorkshire a week previously on June 11.
This case underwent the same precautions as the Co. Durham outbreak.
Bird flu
Farms have been on alert since December and January when keepers in many areas across England were told all poultry was to be kept inside, if living in areas of the virus.
Further restrictions were implemented in other regions of England and Wales in February and April this year.
These restrictions were lifted on May 15, unless keepers were located in areas where there has been a recent outbreak.
Defra advised bird owners to keep up-to-date with the virus and monitor the interactive bird flu map on the department’s website.
The virus, which affects poultry and wild birds, spreads through contaminated feed and water, or through birds’ droppings and saliva.
Infected birds show signs including sudden death; a swollen head; closed and runny eyes; lack of coordination; tremors; dropping of the wings; dragging legs; breathing difficulties; fever; and significant reduction in egg production, as well as other discrete signs.
The government is reminding people to register as keeper of birds within 30 days of taking on poultry or other captive birds, in accordance with the law.
From then on, poultry should be kept away from wild birds, standing water or ponds fenced off; rodents and pests controlled; clean and disinfect housing,
Poultry producers are also advised to use clean clothing and footwear, have footbaths available on farm; and limit and control access to the birds.
According to Defra, prevention is often said to be the best cure, and biosecurity can be one of the most effective prevention methods.
Poultry and other captive birds are not eligible to be vaccinated against bird flu across the UK, with Defra stating vaccination is not a routine measure to control the disease.
