Defra impose 10km Surveillance Zone around Attleborough amidst bird flu outbreak

A 10km Surveillance Zone has been placed around Attleborough amidst an outbreak of bird flu.

Two cases of avian flu have been discovered in or around the town in as many weeks as authorities try to limit a steady rise in infections across East Anglia.

Parts of Suffolk and Essex were also subject to restrictions last week, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has reassured worried residents that “the risk to public health from the virus is very low”.

The first case was discovered on a chicken farm near Attleborough on September 19, leading to all affected birds being humanely culled.

Just days later a second case was discovered, again on a commercial chicken farm.

Defra set up a 3km Protection Zone, forcing all poultry to be kept indoors, which was later lifted.

A 10km surveillance zone remains in place, meaning farmers must keep strict records of any people or birds that enter or leave the area.

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine said: “Following an increased number of detections of avian influenza we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across Suffolk, Norfolk and parts of Essex.

“This means that all bird keepers in the region must urgently take action now to both prevent disease getting in to flocks and it spreading any further.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce stricter biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding. It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious and devastating disease.”

It comes amidst a spike in outbreaks across East Anglia, including Northwold, in Norfolk, and Honnington and Bury St Edmonds, in Suffolk.