H5N1 Avian Influenza in Suffolk

The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed in turkeys on premises near Diss on the Norfolk/ Suffolk border.  The premises also house ducks and geese.  Contingency plans have been activated, and Defra has confirmed that all birds on the premises will be slaughtered. 

A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been established around the premises. Inside these zones, poultry movements are restricted and all birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds.  A wider Restricted Zone has also been established, covering much of Norfolk and the whole of Suffolk.  This also requires the isolation of poultry from wild birds.  Poultry movements within this zone can take place, but movements are not permitted out of the new zone at present.

The RSPB continues to play an active part in Defra’s targeted surveillance programme for avian influenza, with nature reserves across England, Scotland and Wales contributing regular information.

There have been no cases of avian influenza in wild birds on the near continent since the middle of August.