Avian flu found in chickens in Thornton
The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed avian flu at a farm near Thornton.
A three km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Defra – department for the rural affairs says the “small backyard flock of chickens” is estimated to contain around 30 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises are being humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.
Public Health England advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.