UK: Avian influenza confirmed on Norfolk free range turkey farm

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed on a free range turkey farm in Norfolk, Defra has confirmed. All birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled, Defra said on Thursday evening (5 December), adding that the virus strand was H5N1. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has also been put in place around the Watton farm. Last month, the disease was confirmed in a free range flock on a farm in East Yorkshire, which made it the first bird flu case of the season. In line with World Organisation for Animal Health rules, it meant that Britain was no longer free from avian influenza, having just declared freedom from it in March. However, Northern Ireland continues to have self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza. Following the first case, highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a backyard flock on a farm in Cornwall. UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss said bird keepers must remain alert for any signs ...