H7N7 bird flu case confirmed at Lancashire farm

A case of H7N7 avian flu has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Lancashire.

All birds at the farm at Goosnargh, Preston are being humanely culled to contain any threat from the outbreak.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) imposed a temporary control zone around the farm on Friday, and this has now been replaced with a 10km surveillance zone and an inner 3km protection zone.

The restrictions mean that all poultry farms within the control zone around the infected premises are not allowed to move poultry, captive birds or other mammals except under licence.

Public Health England has says that the risk to public health from this strain is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for consumers.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said:

“Final tests results have confirmed a case of avian flu at a farm in Lancashire. Restrictions put in place last week will continue and the humane culling of all birds at the site is progressing. These actions are part of our tried and tested approach to dealing with previous outbreaks.

“Public Health England has confirmed that the risk to public health from this strain is very low. The Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for consumers.

“Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspect disease to their nearest APHA office immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.”