Avian influenza found in small ‘commercial’ flock in Cornwall

Another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found – this time in Cornwall – prompting further warnings to poultry keepers large and small to up their biosecurity.

The latest case on a premises near St Ives is of the H5N1 strain of the disease – the same strain that has dominated outbreaks in recent years – and follows the appearance of H5N5 on a free-range egg farm in East Yorkshire earlier this month.

See also: Bird flu case confirmed in Yorkshire free-range laying flock

The latest outbreak involves a backyard poultry flock of 42 birds, which are being culled.

“Even though the flock is deemed a backyard flock, it is regarded as commercial as there will be some form or ‘commercial’ activity taking place, such as the eggs being sold to neighbours or at the gate,” said British Free Range Egg Producers policy adviser Gary Ford.

“So, whilst it does not meet the industry definition of ‘commercial’, Defra will have no choice but to deem it commercial due to the activity taking place.”

As a result the 3km PZ and 10km SZ movement restriction zones have been put in place surrounding the premises.

This is the first confirmation of the H5N1 strain of the disease in domestic poultry this season (from 1 October).

It follows recent detections of H5N1 in wild birds in the South West of England, including a dead gull reported on the 1 November in nearby Penzance.

“Although very disappointing, it is not entirely surprising that we have seen this strain appear in poultry, albeit a backyard flock,” said Mr Ford.

“We are just entering a period that gives cause for concern. The message continues to be very good biosecurity being practised all of the time.”

The last outbreak of H5NI in poultry in the UK occurred in a flock near Hutton Cranswick, East Yorkshire, on 14 February 2024.