Bird flu found in chickens and ducks in North Yorkshire

Virus: Ducks in France after the country ordered a massive cull in regions affected by bird flu.
REUTERS
Francesca Gillett6 January 2017

A bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in north Yorkshire.

Chickens and ducks in a small backyard flock at a property near Settle, on the border of the Yorkshire Dales, were found to have avian flu, the UK’s most senior vet said.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been put in place around the property and the birds will be humanely killed.

"We have taken swift action to limit the risk of the disease spreading,” said Professor Nigel Gibbens, the UK’s chief veterinary officer.

“Restrictions are now in place around the affected premises and a full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

France: French workers gather ducks as a massive cull is underway.
REUTERS

"This finding in a backyard flock shows how essential it is for all poultry owners, even those who just keep a few birds as pets, to do everything they can to keep them separate from wild birds and minimise the risk of them catching avian flu via the environment.

"This means keeping birds in a suitable building where possible, and taking precautions such as putting up netting, keeping food and water inside and disinfecting footwear and equipment after contact with birds."

It is understood the affected flock included 17 chickens and ducks, several of which have already died.

H5N8 is the same strain which was found in a backyard flock in Carmarthenshire, Wales, earlier this week, at a turkey farm in Lincolnshire last month and in a number of wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland.

Public Health England have said the risk to people from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear bird flu does not pose a food safety risk.

On Friday French authorities began a massive cull of ducks in a bid to contain the dangerous H5N8.

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