A new case of bird flu has been reported by UK authorities in Norfolk non- poultry bird sanctuary following disease confirmation. Defra said:
A H5N8 subtype, Avian influenza, was reported near Attleborough, Breckland, in a bird sanctuary, on December 26.
A temporary control-zone of 3 and 10 km has been created round the site. The department added that the pathogenicity has not yet been confirmed.
Recently a highly pathogenic attack of bird flu was confirmed at a Norfolk Duck Farm and in Dorset backyard. The increase in the number of cases is associated with the introduction of compulsory housing measures across the state from December 14.
After a series of outbursts, the state has strictly ordered the poultry keepers and farmers to retain their birds inside. To reduce the bird flu from spreading, the state has implemented strict bio-security measures and asked the farmer to follow them carefully.
The risk of contracting avian influenza is very variable among different organisms, very high for wild-birds, medium for poultry birds with high bio-security. It is high for low bio-security poultry. In a joint declaration, the three Chief Veterinarian from UK said: “Whether you have a few-birds or a thousand, you will be officially bound to keep birds indoors from 14 December.
We know this decision will not be well appreciated, but to protect the birds from this highly pathogenic disease, it is only the way.
According to public health guidelines, the human health risk posed by the virus is very small, and food standard indicate that avian flu poses low-risk to food-safety. Moreover, an insect farm can help the farmers to easily access disease-free feed for their birds.
