New bird flu case found in Lancashire

It is the third reported case of this strain

The introduction of the mandatory housing measures includes a ban on certain bird gatherings.
Author: Alex UsherPublished 26th Nov 2021

A new case of bird flu has been confirmed in the Wyre area, and 'control zones' are now in place.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza was found in birds in premises at Knott End on Sea in the Wyre area yesterday (25th November) by the Animal Plant and Health Agency.

Public health authorities have set up 3km and 10km temporary control zones around the infection site covering Fleetwood, Thornton, Poulton-le-Fylde, Cockerham and Cleveleys.

The control zones require anyone who keeps poultry or other captive birds within 3km to isolate their birds and record the names and addresses of any visitors.

The new disease zone came into effect at 10pm last night and reaches 10km in every direction from the unnamed site.

Since the reports of a potentially deadly strain virus being found in the wild bird populations in the county last week, this has been the third recorded outbreak at a Lancashire premises.

Other cases have been confirmed at a small mixed flock of poultry near Kirkham and a commercial poultry premises near Salwick.

Dead wild birds should be reported to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Suspected cases of bird flu in poultry or captive birds must be reported to the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

Hear all the latest news from across Lancashire on the hour, every hour, on 97.4FM, DAB, at rockfm.co.uk, and on the Rock FM app.