High path avian flu case confirmed in Yorkshire
© Tim Scrivener A new case of avian influenza has been identified in a commercial poultry unit near Driffield, Yorkshire.
Defra said in a statement: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry on 14 February 2024 at a premises near Hutton Cranswick, East Yorkshire.
“A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.”
See also: British egg and poultry producers under ‘extreme pressure’
This is the sixth case of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu to be confirmed in the UK since October, but the first since November. This latest case was found in commercial layers.
Despite this new case, Defra said the risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5NI in Great Britain is low.
But poultry producers and backyard keepers are being urged to maintain high biosecurity and standards.
“While we are seeing a lower number of cases in poultry compared to this time last year and have seen fewer detections in wild birds than in previous years, the virus is still circulating in wild birds in Great Britain and all bird keepers should remain vigilant for signs of disease,” said a Defra spokesman.
Clinical signs of avian influenza infection in poultry must be reported in England to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact the local Field Services Office.
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease, which means failure to report cases is an offence.