Bird flu: second outbreak

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found in turkeys at a farm in Knettishall, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has just confirmed.

Culling had just finished on four farms that had been at risk for bird flu, and this farm in Knettishall had been one of the ?Dangerous Contact? premises.

This outbreak means that a 3km Protection Zone has been placed around the premises, and the existing Surveillance Zone has been extended.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said: ?The laboratory test results today highlight the importance of poultry keepers in the area being extremely vigilant. It is essential they practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health office.?

For advice, call the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has now been confirmed at this second farm in Knettishall, but Defra has not said whether there are any more outbreaks at this time.

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