Bird Flu Case Confirmed Near Whitby

Friday, 28 January 2022 12:37

By Matthew Pells

A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency say that a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Whitby and a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place.

The risk to public health is considered very low.

The public are advised not to touch or pick up dead or sick birds and instead to report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

The APHA say:

"Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in captive birds at a premises near Whitby, Scarborough, North Yorkshire on 26 January 2022. Following a risk assessment, a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place surrounding the premises. All birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled"

"As at 27 January there are 86 cases of Avian Influenza across the UK. In many cases it is poor biosecurity causing birds to become infected. Please tell friends or neighbours with birds "

When avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds, disease control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease. Within these zones a range of restrictions on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping can apply.

The affected areas can be seen on this Interactive Map

The regulations affecting keepers of birds in the affected area can be seen below.