Avian flu detected in Lancashire
Defra says a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection. (stock photo)
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has confirmed a new outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza in a flock of farmed breeding pheasants in Wyre, Lancashire.
Defra says a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection.
The flock is estimated to contain around 10,000 birds, a number of which have died. The remainder are being humanely culled. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
Defra has previously confirmed outbreaks of H5N8 in East Lindsey, Lancashire, on 16 January; Settle, North Yorkshire on 6 January; Carmarthenshire, Wales, on 4 January and Lincolnshire on 16 December. A number of cases have also been detected in wild birds.
Measures are in place across the UK to prevent the spread of avian influenza, including a requirement for poultry and captive birds to be housed indoors, and a ban on bird gatherings.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
