Strict rules in place as bird flu case confirmed

A protection zone with tight biosecurity rules has been put in place after a case of bird flu was confirmed.

The H5N1 virus was found in commercial poultry at a premises near Attleborough, Norfolk on Wednesday and all birds there will have to be culled.

A 3km (1.8 mile) protection zone and 10km (6.2 mile) surveillance zone have been declared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It is the first case in the county since restrictions were lifted on 15 May.

In a protection zone, birds must be kept indoors to stop the disease spreading, while requirements are less strict in a surveillance zone but movement of birds is restricted.

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

Scientists said the current risk to humans was low.

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