Restrictions lifted following avian flu case in Lancashire

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that restrictions have been lifted following an incident of avian flu on a Lancashire farm last month.

The lifting of the restrictions means that all poultry keeping farms within the ten kilometre restriction zone around the infected premises are now allowed to move poultry and other animals without restriction.

The high severity case of avian flu was confirmed in chickens at a farm in Preston on 13 July and robust action was taken to prevent any spread of the disease, which poses a very low risk to human health. A restriction zone was placed around the property.

The restrictions have been lifted 21 days after the completion of an initial cleaning and disinfection of the premises, which is the earliest point allowed under EU rules to end the controls.

UK remains at a “constant low risk” of an incident of avian flu

Chief Vet Nigel Gibbens said, “Protecting our country from animal disease is vital for our economy. Our robust, swift and intensive approach to tackling this incident, and confirming the disease was contained to a single farm, means we have been able to lift these restrictions at the earliest possible point allowed by EU law.

“The UK remains at a constant low risk of an incident of avian influenza and this latest case should serve as a reminder for the poultry industry of the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity to minimise the risk of infection. I also urge keepers to remain vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspicions to their vet immediately.”