Fourth case of bird flu confirmed in Suffolk

A fourth poultry farm in Suffolk has been affected by bird flu, and a protection zone has been put in place.

The case of the H5N1 virus was confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at a commercial poultry site near Woodbridge.

Eight cases have now been diagnosed across East Anglia this autumn, with most clustered around the Suffolk/Norfolk border.

A 3km (1.8-mile) protection zone and 10km (6-mile) surveillance zone were placed around the Woodbridge premises, and all poultry will be humanely culled.

Since Thursday, 6 November, Defra has extended a strict housing order across England for keepers with more than 50 birds and any sellers of poultry products.

The housing order means keepers must also keep feed and bedding inside, and to cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment, and vehicles before and after contact with poultry or captive 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 people should not touch or move any dead or sick wild birds.

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