AVIAN INFLUENZA has been confirmed at a premises close to the Derbyshire village of Willington.

Officials said a captive bird and small flock of poultry had tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza.

See also: Avian influenza: Risk of incursion into the UK remains very high

Defra has imposed a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone around the site.

Earlier this week another case of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza was confirmed on a wild bird rescue centre near Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.

There have now been ten outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK on either commercial poultry farms, hobby farms or wildlife attractions since the beginning of November.

Wild birds continue to be found with the virus as well, suggesting it is circulating across the British Isles.

A housing order is in place for all poultry and captive birds, meaning that preventing birds from accessing poultry ranges is a legal requirement.

A joint statement from Great Britain’s three Chief Veterinary Officers said: Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

Protection

“We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”