Bird flu: Presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed at farm near Watton with APHA protection zones in force

The presence of bird flu at a farm in East Anglia has been confirmed, with protection zones now in force.

The Environment Agency and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed on its website that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was found at a poultry farm near Watton, in Mid Norfolk.

It added all birds at the infected site will be ‘humanely culled’ while a three kilometre protection zone and a 10 kilometre surveillance zone have been established.

Shown on the APHA Interactive Avian Influenza Disease Map, the protection zone encompasses villages including Woodrising, Cranworth, Southburgh and High Common.

Meanwhile, the larger surveillance zone covers Watton, Dereham, Hingham and stretches to the A11 at Attleborough.

There is no indication the presence of bird flu at the farm will cause a wider outbreak as yet.