Further cases of avian flu reported
13th December 2021
Defra has confirmed more cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 in Lincolnshire and South Derbyshire, as well as new outbreaks elsewhere in the UK.
After the UK’s chief vet and environment secretary George Eustice confirmed the UK is currently battling the worst ever avian influenza outbreak, new cases continue to be reported.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 was confirmed at three premises near Alford, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire over the weekend, and at a second premises near Willington, South Derbyshire. Cases were also confirmed in captive birds near Washington, Sunderland; Highworth, Wiltshire; Clifford, Hereford and South Herefordshire; and Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway.
This brings the total number of cases to 41 in England, with four in Scotland, three in Wales and two in Northern Ireland. Last year saw 26 outbreaks across the whole avian flu season, from November 2020 to March 2021.
UK chief vet Christine Middlemiss recently revealed there are “phenomenal levels” of avian influenza in the UK and admitted she is “very concerned” about the situation. Environment secretary George Eustice also told the House of Commons that we are seeing the “largest ever” outbreak of avian flu.
Dr Middlemiss confirmed experts are investigating the possible cause of the unprecedented level of outbreaks.
