New measures have been put in place
A protection zone has been declared around a farm in Kent after bird flu was confirmed. It has been detected in a large commercial poultry flock at the premises near Newington, Swale.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said on Saturday (December 13) it found the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
A three kilometres protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All birds on the premises will be humanely culled.
A number of new measures have been put in place. A DEFRA document reads: “The occupier of premises in the zone where poultry or other captive birds are keptmust ensure that they are—(a) housed; or (b) kept isolated (if so directed by a veterinary inspector on the basis that housing isimpractical or would adversely affect the birds’ welfare to a significant degree).”
It is the third site in the same area to be affected. A fourth was previously found at a farm in Lydd on November 25. Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection that mainly affects birds.
The virus can spread to humans through close contact, according to the NHS. It can be fatal but it’s very rare in the UK.
Symptoms of bird flu
Symptoms of bird flu in humans usually start around four to six days after being in contact with an infected bird.
Symptoms can be mild or severe and include:
- high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or blocked nose
- wheezing and sneezing
- shortness of breath
- red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis)
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