Bird flu outbreak in UK, tests underway

The avian virus was discovered at Redgrave Park Farm near Diss. Approx. 6,500 birds are being slaughtered. Further tests are being carried out by veterinarians to determine if the birds have the virulent H5N1 strain. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been set up.

A statement issued by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed preliminary tests showed the free-range turkeys at the farm had the H5 strain of bird flu.

According to officials, all the birds at the affected premises, including about 5,000 turkeys, 1,000 ducks and 500 geese, will be slaughtered within the next few hours.

“Sixty turkeys out of a flock of 1,000 from one house on the site were found dead. The site was immediately isolated and additional bio-security measures imposed,” said one of the farm directors, William Buchanan.