Bird flu case confirmed in backyard poultry flock

A case of bird flu has been confirmed in a "backyard flock" of poultry.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the H5N1 virus was found in poultry and captive birds near Chedburgh in Suffolk on Wednesday.

A 3km (1.9-mile) protection zone and 10km (6.2-mile) surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

Defra said all birds on the premises would be humanely culled.

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

There has been 50 confirmed cases of the virus in England so far this year.

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

It meant these birds had to be kept in their housing.

The disease is caused by a virus that infects birds and sometimes other animals, however, the risk to the public is said to be very low and the advice for people is to avoid touching or moving dead or sick birds.

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