Bird flu cases surge across East England, culls ordered

A new case of bird flu has been confirmed in Norfolk, bringing the total confirmed cases in the east to 13. The highly pathogenic virus was identified in commercial poultry near Wymondham, prompting the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to establish a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone around the affected area, with affected birds set to be culled. Additionally, cases have also emerged in Durham, where similar measures, including a cull and protection zones, were implemented at sites near Blaydon and Consett. The risk of bird flu remains very high among wild birds, and poultry owners are advised to prevent interaction with them. The outbreak follows a recent report of a sheep contracting the virus in Yorkshire, which was also humanely culled. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread.