What is happening with bird flu in Suffolk?

Two cases of bird flu, including one in a backyard flock, have been confirmed near Bacton, leading to protection zones and culling.

Are the bird flu cases in Bacton a risk to humans?

Defra states the risk of bird flu to the public is very low, but advises caution with sick wild birds.

How many bird flu cases have there been in Suffolk?

There have been nine confirmed cases of bird flu in Suffolk since October.

Home / Environment / Bird Flu Strikes Near Bacton Village

Bird Flu Strikes Near Bacton Village

20 Jan

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Summary

Two bird flu cases, including one in a backyard flock, confirmed near Bacton.
A 3km protection zone is in place around the infected backyard birds.
Commercial poultry also affected, with all birds to be culled.

Two recent cases of bird flu have been confirmed in mid-Suffolk, close to the village of Bacton. One of these cases involves captive birds within a backyard flock. In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has implemented a 3km protection zone around this backyard site.

A separate case of the H5N1 virus was identified in commercial poultry nearby. Defra has announced that all birds on this commercial premises will be humanely culled, and a similar protection zone will be put in place. These developments bring the total number of confirmed bird flu cases in Suffolk to nine since October.

An avian influenza prevention zone, affecting poultry keepers with over 50 birds and sellers of poultry products, has been in force for the entire country since November 6th. While Defra states the risk to the public is very low, they advise people to avoid touching or moving any dead or sick wild birds.