THE Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs found a case of the 'highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1' yesterday, creating an exclusion zone around Ogwell, Denbury and the southwest of Newton Abbot.

Following the outbreak of the disease, two so-called control zones have been put in place around the premises; a three-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone.

The exact location of the outbreak has yet to be confirmed, but all poultry on the premises of where the case was discovered will be 'humanely culled'.

In the protection zone, a range of measures will apply. Occupiers of any premises within the zone must: 'make a record of all poultry entering or leaving those premises as soon as reasonably practicable after the movement.' They must make a record of all movements of poultry and eggs and isolate any birds inside.

A whole range of other measures apply to both zones, and can be found here.

Avian flu, or bird flu, is a virus that affects birds, including poultry and wild birds. As with other viruses, there are lots of different strains, most of which cause no or few signs of disease in infected wild birds. By contrast, the current outbreak is of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe disease and high mortality.

Bird flu mostly spreads from bird to bird through contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions or droppings. The current strain of bird flu that has been devastating our wild bird populations in the UK since November 2021 originated in poultry operations in China in 1996 and then spread to wild birds.

There are several ways by which the disease is spread. Globally, the most significant has been the unrestricted movement of poultry and poultry products.If you are concerned about the health of your birds speak to your private vet. If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling:

Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.