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Avian flu outbreak is highly contagious H5N8
duck farm
The outbreak may be linked to recent H5N8 cases in Germany and the Netherlands.

Cull underway at duck breeding farm in Yorkshire

Defra has confirmed an outbreak of avian flu at a Yorkshire duck breeding farm is the highly contagious H5N8 strain. It is the first case of the H5 strain in the UK since 2008.

Action is being taken to contain the outbreak and a cull of all 6,000 birds at the farm is now underway. A 10km restriction zone is also in operation, prohibiting movement of poultry, products and waste.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the outbreak is linked to recent cases in the Netherlands and Germany, which were also the H5N8 strain.

A spokesperson for Defra said: "As part of our robust action in response to the confirmed case of avian flu, the culling of 6,000 ducks on the affected farm in east Yorkshire is underway.

"The cull to prevent the spread of potential infection is being carried out in a safe and humane manner by fully trained Animal and Plant Health Agency (formerly AHVLA) staff.

"Our response to this outbreak follows tried and tested procedures for dealing with avian flu outbreaks and we expect the cull to be completed later today."

According to the Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England the risk to public health is "very low". The Food Standards Agency says poultry and poultry products (such as eggs) are safe to eat as long as they are cooked thoroughly.

Image ©MiNe/Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-2.0



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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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