(Image: Contributor)
A North East poultry farm has been placed under strict disease controls after bird flu was confirmed, with all birds on the affected site set to be culled.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was found at a 32,000-bird, free-range commercial poultry site near Belford, Northumberland, on October 19, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed.
Defra has introduced a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the premises, with restrictions on poultry movements applying within the zones.
Locals are advised to avoid touching diseased or dead wild birds and report suspected cases through Defra. (Image: Contributor)
All poultry at the affected site will be humanely culled to prevent the disease spreading.
The outbreak is the second confirmed case of HPAI in Great Britain this season.
Earlier this month, H5N5 was found in a backyard flock near Ness, on the Isle of Lewis.
Great Britain has since lost its HPAI disease-free status, which industry experts say could affect international trade.
APHA said all bird keepers "must remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures," as well as adhere to the zone restrictions, to prevent future outbreaks.
Northumberland County Council said: "The risk to public health remains very low.
"Bird keepers are being urged to stay alert and follow all current restrictions and biosecurity measures to help prevent the disease spreading."
The council said keepers should house or suitably net poultry and captive birds if they are within the protection zone and monitor their birds for illness.
Locals are advised not to touch sick or dead wild birds, instead reporting them to Defra through its website or its phone line 03459 33 55 77.
Dog owners are also advised to keep dogs on leads if they see any ill or deceased birds.
Guy Renner-Thompson, councillor for the Bamburgh division urged any bird keepers in the zones to follow guidance, especially since the surveillance zone stretches towards the Farne Islands, which are home to seabird colonies.
Councillor Renner-Thompson added: "We know from previous outbreaks just how devastating bird flu can be for our wildlife.
"Please avoid touching sick or dead wild birds and report suspected cases through the appropriate official channels."
The council has urged bird keepers to check official information and follow restrictions in their area. An avian influenza interactive map is available to show the zones and controls currently in force.
The health risk to the public remains very low, but bird keepers should monitor birds for signs of illness and maintain measures designed to limit contact between birds and infection.
All bird keepers are legally required to register their birds, including those with fewer than 50, while breaching avian influenza prevention measures is an offence.