The current outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the UK continues. What is the up-to-date picture? There have been 168 confirmed cases of bird flu, specifically, H5N1, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) since the beginning of October last year. These cases are distributed in the UK as follows:
- England – 144 cases
- Scotland – 20 cases
- Wales – 3 cases
- Northern Ireland – 1 case
The figure of confirmed cases of HPAI in England rises to 279 measuring back a further year to October 2021. Great Britain remains subject to an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) meaning strict biosecurity laws apply to the farmers/handlers of birds in order to limit the number of bird flu cases and inhibit the spread of disease. Housing the birds, for example, is a requirement in England and Wales.
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