News

Avian flu confirmed in Lincolnshire

Posted at December 19, 2016 | By : | Categories : News | Comments Off on Avian flu confirmed in Lincolnshire

Avian flu of the H5N8 strain has been confirmed in turkeys at a farm near Louth in Lincolnshire.

Most birds at the premises have died – any remaining birds there will be culled. A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the infected farm to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The advice from Public Health England (PHE) is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said: “Avian flu has been confirmed on a turkey farm in Lincolnshire. This is the same strain that has been affecting poultry in Europe. Immediate steps have been taken to limit the risk of the disease spreading and all remaining poultry at the farm will be culled … bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.”

About Gill