Avian flu cases continue into new year

As the UK battles its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza, cases have now climbed to more than 70, with a number of new confirmed cases over Christmas and into the new year.

Highly pathogenic H5N1 was suspected in poultry at a premises North Somercotes, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire today (5^th January). All birds are being humanely culled and a temporary control zone put in place.

So far this month Defra has also confirmed cases in birds at premises near Lazonby, Eden, Cumbria; a tenth premises near Alford, Lindsey, Lincolnshire; and near Eton, Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Cases were also confirmed between 28^th – 31^st December, in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Cheshire West & Chester, Devon, Hampshire and Lincolnshire.

There are currently over 70 confirmed cases of avian influenza in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – compared to 26 in 2020/21 and 13 in 2016/17.

According to a recent Stop the Spread webinar by Defra, all infected premises during the 2020/21 and current outbreaks were attributed to direct or indirect contact with wild birds.

There was no evidence of longer distance spread, except for when premises were located close together and were part of the same business, and the biosecurity within the business failed. Usually, the different components of biosecurity are present but not done well, the findings showed.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone remains in place in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, meaning birds must be kept indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures.

For the latest updates and biosecurity advice visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#latest-situation