Bird Flu Confirmed at Devon, Somerset Farms with Culling, UK-Wide Precautions

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been confirmed at poultry farms in Devon near Exminster and in Somerset near Evercreech, Frome, prompting authorities to humanely cull all affected birds to prevent further spread. In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has established 3km protection zones and 10km surveillance zones around the infected premises, requiring bird keepers within these areas to house their birds indoors and maintain strict records of all personnel entering or leaving the properties. A nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in place across England, Scotland, and Wales, mandating enhanced biosecurity measures for all bird keepers, including those with pet birds. Defra emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to these biosecurity protocols to protect both domestic and wild bird populations from this highly pathogenic avian influenza. Additional regulations within the zones prohibit movement of poultry, eggs, and related materials without proper licensing and require careful disposal of bird carcasses under veterinary supervision. These coordinated measures aim to curb the spread of this serious disease and safeguard the broader bird-keeping community.