Further bird flu cases confirmed at farm

An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial farm near Beverley in East Yorkshire.

The government's Animal and Plant Health Agency said on Tuesday that due to the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain H5N1, all poultry on the premises would now be humanely culled.

A 3km (nearly two miles) protection zone cordon and a 10km (about six miles) surveillance zone cordon have been put in place around the premises.

A spokesperson for the agency said: "All bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks."

The news comes as a number of confirmed and suspected bird flu cases have also been reported in Norfolk.

Previous restrictions at a farm near Hornsea in East Yorkshire after an outbreak reported on 5 November had now been lifted "following successful completion of disease control activities", the agency added.

The virus - which affects poultry and wild birds - has been around for a century, usually flaring up in autumn and fading away in spring and summer.

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

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