Suspected bird flu in Lancashire
Defra is investigating a case of suspected avian influenza (bird flu) in Lancashire.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA) understand immediate and robust precautionary action is being taken.
This includes a temporary control zone around the poultry farm in Lancashire where the case is suspected, and will include a humane cull of all birds at the premises as a precautionary measure to limit the risk of disease spread. The restrictions mean that all poultry farms within the 10 kilometre temporary control zone around the infected premises are not allowed to move poultry and other animals. The decision to take precautionary action is based on the clinical signs displayed by birds at the farm and emerging laboratory findings. The investigation into the suspected case and the laboratory tests are ongoing.
BVA and BVPA emphasise Public Health England advice that the risk to public health is very low and that the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk to consumers.
The quick identification of the suspected case and the swift precautionary measures to contain the disease illustrate the ongoing importance of a robust veterinary surveillance system working in sync with government departments such as Defra.
BVA and BVPA will continue to work with Defra as the Department keeps the situation under review.
BVA and BVPA joins Defra in urging all bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease, to report suspect disease to their nearest APHA office and to ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.
