Cull after more bird flu cases identified on farms

Outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed at poultry farms in East Yorkshire and in Lincolnshire.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said all birds at a premises near Pocklington and at another near Mablethorpe, East Lindsey, would be humanely culled as a result.

A protection zone of almost two miles (3km) and an eight-mile (10km) surveillance zone had also been declared around the sites, Defra added.

The measures would restrict the movement of birds, meat and eggs in the area, a spokesperson said.

There have recently been a number of outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Cases have previously been confirmed at farms near Beverley and at premises near the village of Nafferton.

The virus spreads through birds' droppings and saliva, or through contaminated feed and water.

Scientists say the current risk to humans is low.

In December, Defra announced that all poultry and other captive birds in parts of Yorkshire and the east of England had to be kept indoors to prevent the spread of bird flu.

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