Turkey rearing premises in N Yorks hit by avian flu

The H5N8 strain of avian influenza was confirmed at a turkey fattening farm near Northallerton on Saturday (28^th November).

A humane cull of all 10,500 birds at the farm is underway to prevent spread of the disease. A 3km Protection and 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises.

Chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.

“We are urgently looking for any evidence of disease spread associated with this farm to control and eliminate it.”

Dr Gavin Dabrera, consultant in acute respiratory infections at Public Health England added: “To date the World Health Organisation has never confirmed any cases of H5N8 in humans and the risk to the public is considered very low.

“As a precaution the local Health Protection Team will offer routine health advice to those working on the farm. We will work with Defra to monitor the situation closely.”

The outbreak is the latest in a string of cases in the UK, with unrelated cases in birds in Kent and Cheshire in early November, a third case of H5N8 at a broiler breeder farm in Herefordshire on 10^th November and another case in Leicestershire on 21^st November.

Surveillance has also detected a spate of H5N8 cases un wild birds across the country.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was declared across the whole of England from 5pm on 11^th November, which prevents bird gatherings.

Defra recently updated its biosecurity advice and published a new self assessment biosecurity checklist for bird keepers: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecurity-advice