Another Bird flu outbreak confirmed – this time in Derbyshire

Another Bird flu outbreak confirmed – this time in Derbyshire

A further outbreak of the highly contagious ‘bird flu’ has been confirmed in Derbyshire according to the BBC.

The H5N8 strain of avian influenza has been found in captive birds and poultry at a premises in South Derbyshire.

3k protection zone

Public health authorities have set up a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the infection site to limit the risk spread. This will include restrictions on the movement of poultry and other captive birds, carcasses, eggs, poultry litter and manure. All bird keepers in these zones must follow increased measures while the restrictions are in place.

“The risk to public health is low but people travelling into the control zone need to be aware of the outbreak. There will be roadside signs up in the area telling people when they are entering the zone.”

It comes a month after the Government declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of England in an effort to stop the spread of the disease.

This meant that all bird keepers are required by law to take measures to prevent the spread, including keeping them indoors from Monday, December 14.

England’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “Following a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in both wild and captive birds we have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease.

In Northern Ireland the DAERA declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for all poultry and captive birds across NI from 1 December 2020.