Health officials have confirmed that a case of H7N7 avian flu has been found at a poultry farm in Preston, Lancashire.
Humane culling is now being carried out on all birds at the farm.
A temporary control zone set up on Friday 10 July to isolate the farm in question has been replaced by a 3km wide protection zone.
To prevent further outbreaks all poultry farms within 10km of the infected farm have now been placed under surveillance and will not be allowed to move captive birds, poultry or mammals unless under licence.
here are also restrictions on bird gatherings (fairs, shows, exhibitions) and the release of game birds.
Public Health England say that the risk to humans from this strain of the disease is very low, and the Food Standards Agency say their is no ongoing food safety risk for consumers.
Bird flu, also known as avian flu, mainly affects birds but in very rare cases can transfer to humans, but normally only those who work with infected birds.
The disease spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces.
The last confirmed cases of avian influenza were a low severity case of H7N7 on 2 February 2015 in chickens at a farm in Hampshire, and a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in ducks on premises in East Yorkshire on 16 November 2014.
Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: “Final test results have confirmed a case of avian flu at a farm in Lancashire. Restrictions put in place last week will continue and the humane culling of all birds at the site is progressing. These actions are part of our tried and tested approach to dealing with previous outbreaks.
“Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspect disease to their nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency office immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.
“We have a strong track record of controlling and eliminating previous outbreaks of avian flu in the UK. The outbreaks in Yorkshire last year and Hampshire in February were both successfully contained, allowing restrictions to be lifted at the earliest opportunity.”
An investigation into this case is ongoing.
Anyone suspecting avian flu (bird flu) should Call 0300 303 1324 for their nearest APHA office immediately. There are three offices in the north of England: in Leeds, Newcastle and Preston.
