Bird Flu Outbreak Spurs Preemptive Culls in Eastern England
A new wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has prompted swift action from UK authorities. Following several confirmed cases in Norfolk and East Riding of Yorkshire, the Department for Habitat, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has implemented preemptive measures to contain the spread.
“Further cases of bird flu were detected in Norfolk, east England and East Riding of Yorkshire, northeast England in the last week,” DEFRA announced. This led to the immediate culling of birds at a Norfolk farm and the establishment of a three-kilometer (1.8-mile) protection zone around the affected area. The preventative measures are designed to stop the virus from spreading further.
The situation has escalated to the point where a regional avian influenza prevention zone has been declared across eastern England, encompassing Lincolnshire and Suffolk. Starting Monday, poultry keepers within this zone are mandated to keep their birds housed indoors. This is a crucial step to protect flocks from infection.
The risk assessment for bird flu in wild birds has been raised to “very high” across Great Britain, indicating an almost certain occurrence. For poultry, the risk is assessed as “medium” to “high”.
To date, eleven cases of the H5N1 strain and one case of the H5N5 strain have been identified in England during this outbreak, which began in November. No cases have yet been confirmed in Scotland or Wales. According to World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) regulations, Great Britain is no longer considered free from HPAI.
The current outbreak follows the UK’s largest-ever bird flu outbreak between 2021 and 2023, caused by the H5N1 strain. This previous outbreak resulted in the deaths of 3.8 million birds and widespread infection among wild bird populations. ”Some UK seabird populations experienced extensive declines in the period,” a study by conservationists noted earlier this year.
While the UK health Security Agency (UKHSA) assures the public that the risk to human health remains very low, scientists are monitoring the virus’s potential to spread among mammals. This is a key area of ongoing research and concern.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza and the importance of proactive measures to protect both poultry and wild bird populations. The rapid response by DEFRA highlights the commitment to containing the outbreak and minimizing its impact.
