New cases of avian influenza have been detected at several different premises including Tarpolery and Winsford in Cheshire and Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, just days before the Housing Order is set to end in the UK.
A restriction zone has been set up following the outbreak in Tarpolery, which is the second incident to be reported in the area.
On Saturday, (27 March) the H5N8 strain of the disease was confirmed in broiler chickens at a commercial farm near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire. A Temporary Control Zone of 3km and 10km surveillance has been declared around the premises by Defra and all poultry on the site will be culled.
Cheshire West and Chester director of Public Health, Ian Ashworth said: “We are working closely with Public Health England and other partners on this incident. The risk to public health from the virus is very low and avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk. We are working locally to support residents, local business and premises that may be affected.”
Meanwhile, an outbreak of avian influenza has been detected at a turkey breeders near Winsford, Cheshire, on Friday (March 26).
The discoveries come days before the mandatory Housing Order for poultry is set to be lifted in Britain on Wednesday 31 March. However, no decision has been made to lift the housing order in Northern Ireland at this time. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, which requires enhanced biosecurity, will remain in force.
LSL News.