Avian influenza case in County Durham

UK authorities have detected a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in poultry near Stanhope, in County Durham. A 3 Km protection zone and a 10 Km surveillance zone have been established around the affected premises. All poultry involved will be culled. The new case comes after the mandatory housing order for poultry and captive birds was lifted across England following the winter period. However, a special prevention zone remains in place throughout the UK, with strict biosecurity measures still required on all holdings, regardless of size. The Stanhope area already reported some cases of avian influenza at the beginning of this year.