Bird flu case in poultry near Stanhope, County Durham

A case of bird flu has been found in poultry in County Durham, Defra has confirmed (file image) <i>(Image: File Photo.)</i>
A case of bird flu has been found in poultry in County Durham, Defra has confirmed (file image) (Image: File Photo.)
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A case of bird flu has been found in poultry in County Durham, Defra has confirmed.

The news comes weeks after the government lifted the national mandatory housing order for kept birds.

Defra said yesterday (Tuesday, June 17) that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 had been confirmed in poultry near Stanhope.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. These zones impose strict movement restrictions and enhanced biosecurity protocols for other poultry keepers in the area.

All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled, a statement said.

The latest case comes after the mandatory housing order for poultry and captive birds was lifted across England following the winter period. However, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains firmly in place throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, with strict biosecurity measures still required on all holdings, regardless of size.

Several cases had been reported in the Stanhope area earlier in the year.

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