Defra has confirmed a case of High Path Avian Influenza (AI) on a turkey farm in the Louth area, Lincolnshire. This is the second case in the area following the first outbreak on another turkey farm on 15 December.
A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the premises.
The latest outbreak is in close proximity to the first outbreak, therefore the new zones around the infected premise cross over with the Surveillance Zone still in place. Put your map reference or coordinates into Defra’s interactive map to find out if you're in the zone.
Gary Ford, NFU chief poultry adviser commented: "This will come as a real set back to the industry as a whole and particularly to those businesses affected by the previous case in December. We understand that this case was reported promptly to Defra which is welcome as it will aid in disease control and eradication. We stand by ready to support our affected members in the area."
This latest case follows two recent cases in back yard flocks in South Wales and North Yorkshire. The NFU said it shows that this disease event is not over and it reinforces the need for all poultry keepers to uphold the high levels of biosecurity on farm. Defra advice is to report any concerns to the vet at the earliest possible opportunity.
The advice from Public Health England is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.