Farm told to cull poultry after bird flu outbreak

Officials confirmed the "highly pathogenic" avian influenza strain H5N1 was found at the farm

A case of bird flu has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Kent.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs declared a protection zone around the farm near Lydd on Tuesday.

Birds at the commercial site will be culled after confirmation of the "highly pathogenic" avian influenza strain H5N1.

The protection zone covers an area within 3km (1.9 mile) of the farm, while surveillance zone restrictions are in place within 10km (6.2 miles) of the farm.

Scientists say the risk of bird flu to humans is low, with transmission from birds very rare.

Requirements for nearby bird-keepers include keeping poultry housed, tougher biosecurity measures and recording visitors and bird movements.

Several bird flu cases have been confirmed in England in recent months.

Restrictions remain in place after an earlier outbreak near Uckfield in East Sussex.

In October, Happy Pants Ranch in Newington, Kent had to cull all its birds, including an emu, after a bird flu outbreak.