Second outbreak of bird flu verified in UK as 3km ‘protection zone’ put in place

An outbreak of extremely infectious bird flu in the UK has occurred.

The H5N8 avian influenza strain was observed in captive birds and poultry at a facility in the south of Derbyshire, officials reported on Wednesday.

In order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other birds and humans in the immediate region, public health authorities have now established a km security zone and a 10km monitoring zone around the infection site, the Mirror reports.

Reportedly, this would entail emergency controls on the movement of poultry and other captive birds, carcasses, chickens, manure, and poultry litter.

The km security zone stretches to the outskirts of Mackworth and Mickleover, according to documents released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

There are significant parts of Derby in the monitoring zone, as well as Willington, Hilton, and Duffield.

In the 3 km security zone, trade standards officers from the county and city councils will knock on doors to find people who hold birds and alert them of the new restrictions.

The risk to the public is very low, Public Health England has said and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) says it presents a very low risk to food safety, adding that properly cooked poultry products are safe to consume.

Councilor Carol Hart, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities at Derbyshire County Council, said We have unfortunately had a confirmed case of avian influenza in South Derbyshire and our trading standards officers are working closely with Defra along with colleagues at Derby City to help reduce the spread of the disease.”

It’s very important to recognise someone who has birds to make sure they are mindful of the limitations and obey the letter’s guidelines.

The risk to public health is minimal, but the outbreak must be identified to individuals traveling to the control zone.

“There will be roadside signs up in the area telling people when they are entering the zone.”

It comes days after bird flu was reported at non-poultry premises in Worcestershire on Sunday in captive birds.