Eighth case of bird flu confirmed on Cheshire farm
Measures to stop the spread of the flu are now in place
An eighth case of bird flu has been confirmed in the Cheshire area, with measure now being put in place to stem the spread.
Cheshire East Council confirmed the case was found on a poultry farm in Calveley, near the town of Nantwich.
As a result of the outbreak, a 3-kilometre wide Protection Zone has been set up to stop the spread of avian influenza H5N1, commonly known as bird flu.
In the Protection Zone, foot patrols will be operated by animal health officers. Animals will also be unable to be moved outside of the zone.
Similarly, a 10-kilometre Surveillance Zone has been put in the area, in order to monitor the spread of the disease, if any.
Despite the small outbreak in Cheshire poultry farms, the UK Health Security Agency said that the risk to public health is incredibly low, with little to no effect on the safety of food in the UK.
However, farmers and birdkeepers are being warned to remain vigilant in case their animals start showing symptoms of the disease.
As well as this, members of the public are reminded not to pick up dead birds near the area, as they may pass the illness onto themselves and other people.