Response to bird flu outbreak in East Yorkshire ‘timely and appropriate’

The virus has been identified as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI] H5N5. It's the second outbreak to occur in the country this year, but the first since the ‘declaration of zonal freedom’ in February 2024.

All poultry at the premises have been culled while a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been placed around the site.

A Defra spokesperson said that HPAIs H5N5 and H5N1 have both been detected in wild birds in the UK this autumn and the risk in wild birds has increased from ‘medium’ to ‘high’.

Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to the general public’s health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. 

“Winter is a greater risk period for avian influenza and this case demonstrates that. Now is the time if you are a bird keeper to ensure you have very robust biosecurity. Bird keepers must remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately.” 

Marc-Alain Widdowson, who leads the High-Threat Pathogens team at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, highlighted the unpredictability of the virus. 

He said: “A new strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has emerged in wild birds and caused increased number of outbreaks in poultry flocks throughout Europe. 

“This is the season for avian influenza due to bird migration and several European countries have announced alerts on the risk to poultry. Nonetheless, the risk to the general public remains very low. Careful investigation and characterisation of all such outbreaks and possible human cases remains paramount to detect changes that might signal a change in risk to humans.”

A spokesperson for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council said that the council’s Public Protection team had worked closely with the local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) field team and Emergency Planners to ensure compliance with zone restrictions and offer guidance to the local community.

They said: “On this occasion, due to data held from previous recent outbreaks in the same area, this task has been made significantly easier. 

“Success is based on our Animal Health Officers building and maintaining close working relationships with stakeholders, not least our APHA colleagues, ahead of any outbreaks. This enables a timely and appropriate response, as determined by the individual circumstances of each outbreak.”