Bird flu confirmed at Yorkshire duck farm

BIRD flu has broken out at a duck breeding farm in Yorkshire.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said it has confirmed at least one case of the virus at the farm in the village of Nafferton, East Yorkshire.

However, it insisted that there was “very low risk” to human health and no risk to the food chain.

Defra said immediate action has been taken to control the outbreak including introducing a 10km restriction zone and a complete cull of all 6,000 birds on the farm to prevent any potential spread of infection.

The case confirmed on Sunday afternoon has been identified as a H5 avian flu strain and tests are being run to identify the exact strain of the disease. Public Health England has confirmed the risk to public health is “extremely low” and ruled out the H5N1 strain that is infectious for humans.

Further advice from the Food Standards Agency is that avian flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Investigations are now ongoing to discover whether the outbreak is linked to cases found in Netherlands and Germany with further test results expected over the coming days, Defra said in a statement.

“The UK has a strong track record of controlling and eliminating previous outbreaks of avian flu and all action will be taken to control this outbreak to prevent a further spread of the disease. The restriction zone bans movements of all poultry, products and waste within the area. Poultry must be housed or isolated in the zone. Bird gatherings (fairs, shows, exhibitions) are banned and game birds cannot be released.”

A Defra spokesperson said: “We have confirmed a case of avian flu on a duck breeding farm in Yorkshire – the public health risk is very low and there is no risk to the food chain.

“We are taking immediate and robust action which includes introducing a 10km restriction zone and culling all poultry on the farm to prevent any potential spread of infection. A detailed investigation is ongoing.

“We have a strong track record of controlling and eliminating previous outbreaks of avian flu in the UK.”

Paul Bellotti, head of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council is aware of a confirmed case of avian flu at a duck breeding farm, in the Nafferton area, and is supporting the operations of a number of agencies, including Defra.

“A co-ordinated and robust response is being undertaken and the council has been advised that the risk to public health is very low.

“The council would like to reassure residents that poultry and eggs are safe to purchase and eat, subject to normal food preparation, and that motorists and the travelling public should continue to use any and all routes on the highways network, unless they are advised otherwise. Unless specifically closed, public footpaths remain open.”