Defra confirms third bird flu case in Norfolk

Defra has said a cull at a Norfolk farm has taken place after bird flu was confirmed on the premises.

Though the farm has not been named, the main 3km protection zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Avian Influenza Disease Map includes the villages of Bunwell, Carelton Rode, New Buckenham, Hargate and Cordwell.

A 10km surveillance zone was also been declared around the premises since the incident was reported on Friday.

In December last year, two similar zones were put up after a commercial poultry premises in the Attleborough area and another premises in Gayton near Kings Lynn had been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Both Suffolk and Norfolk remain under regional avian influenza prevention zones.

The zone means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in the counties to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their animals.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss said in January: “Given the continued increase in the number of bird flu cases across England, we are taking further action to try and prevent the further spread of disease.

“I urge bird keepers to check which requirements apply to them, to continue to exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

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