Bird flu outbreak near Lakenheath
A 3-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone have been declared around the affected premises
A new case of bird flu has been confirmed at a large commercial poultry premises near Lakenheath, in West Suffolk, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has announced.
The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, confirmed yesterday (26 October), has prompted the immediate establishment of disease control zones to prevent further spread of the virus.
A 3-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone have been declared around the affected premises.
According to Defra, all poultry on the site will be humanely culled to contain the infection and minimise the risk of transmission to other flocks in the area.
This case adds to ongoing national monitoring efforts following several avian influenza detections across the UK in recent months.
Officials are urging poultry keepers within the control zones to follow strict biosecurity measures, report any signs of illness, and comply with movement restrictions.
Residents and poultry owners in the area can find further details, including zone maps and biosecurity guidance, on the UK government’s avian influenza outbreak webpage.