Bird Flu outbreak confirmed in East Yorkshire

Published on : 6 Nov 2024

Defra confirmed the first avian influenza case on a free-range layer unit since 14 February. This outbreak reminds us that the virus is still circulating and remains a risk, and producers should exercise strict biosecurity measures.

Restriction zones are in place (LINK).

DEFRA raised the risk level of HPAI H5 in wild birds from medium to high.

In poultry, the risk level where good biosecurity is consistently applied at all times has increased from very low to low with low uncertainty, and where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity remains assessed as low but is heightened with high uncertainty.

Gary Ford, Head of Strategy and Producer Engagement for the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) said;

"This is bad news for the UK poultry sector after having regained the country's disease-free status earlier this year and is particularly disappointing given that this case is so soon into the higher risk period.  We sincerely hope that this is not an indication of things to come as we head into winter.  This particular strain, H5N5, has recently been reported in wild birds in the UK, notably in wild pheasants in the Midlands at the end of September. The cases in wild birds, and now in a commercial poultry unit, reinforce the critical importance of high standards of biosecurity on-farm, consistently applied all of the time. All poultry farmers must remain vigilant and promptly report any signs of disease or concerns to their private vet or the APHA.  

This new case will cause significant disruption to the poultry sector, particularly in the immediate area around the infected premise, however, we must remember that this will be devastating news for the farmer involved, who will be losing their flock of birds, and we stand by ready to support the farmer and their family through this difficult period".