Bird flu: Outbreak at Pentney is second in Norfolk

Avian flu is highly contagious among birds and can wipe out flocks

A second outbreak of bird flu has been found on commercial premises in Norfolk.

The H5N1 virus was discovered near King's Lynn, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

The virus is highly contagious and can destroy poultry flocks.

Temporary control zones of 3km (1.9miles) and a 10km (six miles) surveillance zone have been placed around the affected sites.

Co-ordinates given by Defra locate the outbreak at a farm in Pentney.

A previous case of bird flu was found amongst poultry in Holkham.

Two cases of avian flu were found in Essex last month.

Temporary control zones of 3km (1.8 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) are in place around the Norfolk sites

The UK is facing its largest ever outbreak of the H5N1 virus - with more than 60 cases confirmed since the start of November.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across the UK since 3 November.

The order means bird keepers need to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and help prevent disease spread to wild birds.

Officials said the risk to human health was low but infected birds should not be touched.

Sophie Leney, head of Norfolk County Council Trading Standards, said: "We are supporting the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) as part of their co-ordinated efforts to support local businesses and minimise the risk of any avian influenza outbreak spreading.

"We urge all bird keepers in Norfolk to follow the biosecurity requirements diligently to protect their own birds and those of others and to safeguard livelihoods."