Bird flu outbreaks prompt cull in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed in commercial poultry across several regions in the UK, including Pocklington and Mablethorpe, prompting the culling of affected birds and the establishment of protection and surveillance zones to mitigate further spread. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has enacted a regional avian influenza prevention zone in East Yorkshire and other areas, requiring all bird keepers to house their birds to reduce risk. In the U.S., over 1.5 million chickens have been infected in Newton County, Missouri, leading to their destruction and monitoring of workers who had contact with the birds. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reports the virus has spread to Canada geese in Carbon County, raising concerns about wildlife transmission. Officials emphasize that while the risk of human infection remains low, caution is advised for those in proximity to wild birds. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza in both commercial and wild bird populations.