The first outbreak of avian influenza has been recorded in England

Free-range farm owner near Belford Catherine Armstrong reported losses of livestock animals that began dying a week ago. The poultry produced 28,500 eggs a day for British supermarkets. By the end of the week, the virus spread rapidly, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic virus. The remaining poultry at the facility was culled as part of containment measures.

The exact source of infection has not yet been established, but experts suspect the virus was introduced by wild birds. British Free Range Egg Producers Association (Bfrepa) representative Gary Ford noted that high biosecurity standards on the farm do not always protect poultry from contact with migratory species. The organization intends to ask the government to introduce regional housing orders for poultry near coasts and migration routes.

APHA forecasts an increase in cases due to cold weather and the arrival of migratory birds. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reported that the results of a government vaccine trial in turkeys will be ready by the end of the year, and vaccination is not being used this season. Health and food safety agencies assess the risk to the public and food safety as very low.