County's sixth bird flu case in a month confirmed

A sixth case of bird flu in the space of a month has been confirmed in Suffolk.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the H5N1 virus was found at a site near Claydon on Friday.

A 3km (1.9-mile) protection zone and 10km (6.2-mile) surveillance zone has been put in place around the site, where all poultry will need to be euthanised.

Since 27 October, there have been confirmed cases elsewhere in the county, at Lawshall, Woodbridge, Honington, Elveden and Lakenheath.

So far this year, there have been 39 confirmed cases of the virus in England.

An avian influenza prevention zone came into force on 6 November, affecting sellers of poultry products and keepers with more than 50 birds.

The disease is caused by a virus that infects birds and sometimes other animals, including foxes, seals and otters.

Defra said the risk to the public was very low, but advised people to avoid touching or moving any dead or sick wild birds.

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