On Sunday, Defra’s Deputy Chief Vet confirmed H5N8 avian flu in a small flock of chickens and geese at a premises near Diss, South Norfolk. A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The discovery comes just a fortnight after Defra’s last remaining nation-wide restrictions were lifted. Though UK-wide disease prevention measures have been lifted, a ban on poultry gatherings is still in force in three counties of the North-West, and a 10km Surveillance Zones remain in place around two premises in the Wyre district of Lancashire, where H5N8 bird flu cases were detected in early May.  

The infected flock near Diss is estimated to contain approximately 35 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises have been culled. Defra said a full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Defra urged bird keepers to remain vigilant and look out for the signs of bird flu in their flocks; anyone who suspects infection must inform the Animal and Plant Health Agency immediately.