A third case of bird flu has been confirmed in a Norfolk town this month.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the H5N1 virus had now been confirmed at a large commercial poultry unit near Dereham in Norfolk.
“A 3KM [1.9 miles] protection zone and 10km [6.2 miles] surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled,” a Defra spokesperson said.
Other cases of bird flu were reported at premises near Dereham on 8 and 20 December, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 13. The total number of cases in England is 61.
Bird flu primarily affects birds and can occasionally spread to other animals, including foxes, seals and otters.
Defra said the risk to the public was very low; however, people should not touch or move any dead or sick wild birds.
Dereham, Norfolk – December 23, 2023
Bird Flu Cases Rise in Norfolk, Triggering Culls
Table of Contents
A third case of avian influenza has been detected in Norfolk this month, prompting swift action from authorities to contain the outbreak.
- A new case of H5N1 bird flu was confirmed at a large poultry unit near Dereham, Norfolk.
- A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established around the affected premises.
- The total number of confirmed bird flu cases in Norfolk has reached 13, with 61 cases reported across England.
The latest outbreak of bird flu, confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is raising concerns among poultry farmers and wildlife experts. The H5N1 virus was detected at a commercial poultry unit near Dereham, a quiet market town in the heart of Norfolk. This is the third confirmed case in the area this month, with previous instances reported on December 8 and December 20.
Containment Measures in Effect
Defra has moved quickly to implement control measures. “A 3KM [1.9 miles] protection zone and 10km [6.2 miles] surveillance zone has been declared around the premises,” a Defra spokesperson stated. Crucially, all poultry on the affected farm will be humanely culled to prevent further spread of the virus. This is standard protocol in response to avian influenza outbreaks.
What is the risk to the public? Defra has assured the public that the risk of transmission to humans remains very low. However, individuals are strongly advised not to touch or move any dead or sick wild birds.
Bird flu, or avian influenza, primarily affects birds, but can occasionally jump to other animals like foxes, seals, and otters. The virus is particularly dangerous for poultry, leading to high mortality rates and significant economic losses for farmers. The current outbreak underscores the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza and the importance of vigilance.
Wider Impact Across England
The Norfolk cases contribute to a larger picture of avian influenza activity across England. As of this report, a total of 61 cases have been confirmed nationwide. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge bird owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
