Avian Influenza Outbreak Confirmed on Yorkshire Commercial Poultry Farm

An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed among commercial poultry at a farm situated in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced on Tuesday that the virus, identified as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), was detected in the vicinity of Hornsea. In response, authorities have established a 3km (1.86 miles) protection zone and a 10km (6.21 miles) surveillance zone surrounding the affected premises, which officials have chosen not to name. Defra stated that all poultry on the site will undergo humane culling. This incident marks the second outbreak in England during 2024, following an initial case in February, and signifies that Great Britain is no longer considered free from HPAI. Separately, Northern Ireland has recorded six cases. Bird keepers across the UK have been advised to maintain vigilance and implement measures to safeguard their flocks. Numerous similar outbreaks have previously occurred throughout the United Kingdom, with identical control protocols being implemented. However, a distinction exists in the viral strain: while those earlier incidents involved the H5N1 strain, the current outbreak near Hornsea has been attributed to the H5N5 strain. This virus, which impacts both domestic poultry and wild bird populations, has been present for approximately a century. It typically sees an increase in activity during autumn months and subsides during spring and summer. Transmission of the virus occurs through avian droppings and saliva, as well as via contaminated feed and water sources.