Bird flu confirmed at poultry farm

A government order to house poultry and captive birds in affected parts of England is in force in order to "mitigate" further outbreaks

A case of bird flu has been confirmed in commercial poultry at a farm in East Yorkshire.

The virus, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), was discovered near Beverley and all poultry at the site would be humanely culled, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced on Saturday.

A 3km (nearly two miles) protection zone and a 10km (about six miles) surveillance zone cordon have been put in place around the premises.

Since Monday, all poultry and other captive birds in affected parts of England have had to be kept indoors to prevent the spread of bird flu.

The government order came into force across Hull, East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, which have been made subject to an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), to "mitigate the risk of further outbreaks".

Defra advised bird keepers to check on the interactive map to see if they are impacted and read the housing measure declaration, which explains the requirements.

The government reiterated that the current risk to human health remained very low and properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, were safe to eat.

The virus - which affects poultry and wild birds - has been around for a century, usually flaring up in autumn and fading away in spring and summer.

It spreads through birds' droppings and saliva, or through contaminated feed and water.

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