Britain confirms avian flu detection in Northern England

Britain has confirmed the detection of a case of H7N7 avian flu at a poultry farm in Lancashire in northern England.

The confirmation comes three days after a suspected case flagged at the farm resulted in the imposition of a temporary control zone. Following the confirmation, a 10km surveillance zone and an inner 3km protection zone was imposed at the site.

As per the restriction, poultry farms within 10km from the affected farm will not be allowed to move poultry, captive birds or other mammals unless they have the required licence.

However, Public Health England has confirmed that the risk of the flu to public health is very low. The Food Standards Agency has also said that consumers stand no risk from the flu.

UK’s chief veterinary officer, Nigel Gibbens said: "Final tests results have confirmed a case of avian flu at a farm in Lancashire. Restrictions put in place last week will continue, and the humane culling of all birds at the site is progressing. These actions are part of our tried and tested approach to dealing with previous outbreaks.

"Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease to their nearest APHA office immediately, and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises."

The authorities have initiated an enquiry into the incident.

The detection of the bird flu strain in the UK follows the outbreak in the US, the worst reported, which has resulted in the culling of more than 46 million chickens and turkeys across the country.

The flu, that is said to have originated in 2004, has spread to more than 35 countries since then, according to a report from the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE).

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Image: Poultry farms within 10km from the affected farm will not be allowed to move poultry. Photo: courtesy of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs/Crown Copyright.