BIRD flu cases are on the rise across the country new data has revealed and residents have been issued warning letters as a result – you can see where with our interactive map.

According to the Animal and Plant Health Agency disease prevention zones have been set up across the North East and North Yorkshire.

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It was revealed just yesterday that people in Newcastle had also received letters warning of an outbreak of bird flu in the area.

The Northern Echo: The disease control zones across the North East and North YorkshireThe disease control zones across the North East and North Yorkshire

In January Ouseburn Farm, in Newcastle, was forced to close its doors after tests showed traces of avian flu.

The Defra letter to Byker residents says: "The avian influenza strain in this outbreak presents a low reisk to human health but is highly pathogenic for birds, meaning they can catch and spread the disease easily."

Read more: Warning as residents in North East area receive letter confirming bird flu outbreak

The Government has confirmed that 83 cases of avian influenza in England with disease control zones in force across the country.

Find out below where exactly the disease control zones are in place using our interactive map:

Disease control zones have been confirmed to be in place in the following areas across the North East and North Yorkshire:

  • Blaydon, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
  • Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
  • Whitby, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

How to spot signs of bird flu:

Signs and symptoms of bird flu may begin within two to seven days of infection in humans according to Mayo Clinic

These are the symptoms to look out for:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath

Some people could also experience neausa, vomiting or diarrhea and in a few cases, a mild eye infection is the only indication of the disease.

The risk to humans of catching bird flu is very low, however, the UK Health Security Agency said people should refrain from touching sick or dead birds.

In January of this year, the first human case of bird flu in the country was found in the South West of England, however, the UKHSA said it was an “isolated incident.”

Read more: First human case of bird flu confirmed in England after flock issues in North East

In a statement, it said: “Bird to human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has only occurred a small number of times in the UK previously.

“The person acquired the infection from very close, regular contact with a large number of infected birds, which they kept in and around their home over a prolonged period of time.

“All contacts of the individual, including those who visited the premises, have been traced and there is no evidence of onward spread of the infection to anyone else. The individual is currently well and self-isolating.”

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