News story

Avian flu confirmed at a farm near Redgrave in Suffolk

H5N8 avian flu has been confirmed at a poultry premises near Redgrave, in the district of mid-Suffolk.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 13 February 2017
• Last updated: 14 February 2017 — See all updates

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

This news article was withdrawn on 9 November 2022

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Read avian influenza (bird flu) in winter 2016 to 2017 or avian influenza (bird flu) detailed guidance for the latest information.

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian flu at a poultry premises near Redgrave, in the district of mid-Suffolk.

This follows the announcement of an initial 10km Temporary Control Zone around the premises on 13 February after laboratory analysis identified the presence of H5N8. Further investigations into the nature of the virus have now confirmed that it is the same highly pathogenic strain of H5N8 that has been found in wild and farmed birds in the UK since December 2016.

A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. We have published full details of the controls in place. Use our interactive map to check if you are affected by restrictions around any premises.

The affected premises is estimated to contain approximately 23,000 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises will be humanely culled. A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency is clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Read the latest advice and information on avian flu in the UK, including actions to reduce the risk of the disease spreading, advice for anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds and details of previous cases. Journalists with queries should contact Defra press office.

Published 13 February 2017
Last updated 14 February 2017 + show all updates

1. 14 February 2017

   Updated on 14 February to reflect official confirmation of disease. This follows the announcement that H5N8 was identified at the site on 13 February but tests were ongoing to establish whether or not the strain was highly pathogenic.

2. 13 February 2017

   First published.