H5N8 confirmed in Northumberland
The flock contains around 35 birds, a number of which have died. The remainder are being humanely culled. (stock image)
Defra has confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza H5N8 in a small flock of chickens near Haltwhistle in Northumberland.
The flock contains around 35 birds, a number of which have died. The remainder are being humanely culled.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone are in place around the affected farm to limit the risk of disease spread.
Investigations are underway to determine the source of the infection.
Previous cases have been confirmed at a poultry farm in Suffolk, three linked premises on a commercial game farm in Lancashire, three separate poultry farms in Lincolnshire and in backyard flocks in North Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire. The same strain has also been found in wild birds in England, Scotland and Wales.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
