Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member







Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 18th November 2014

Avian flu outbreak is highly contagious H5N8
duck farm
The outbreak may be linked to recent H5N8 cases in Germany and the Netherlands.

Cull underway at duck breeding farm in Yorkshire

Defra has confirmed an outbreak of avian flu at a Yorkshire duck breeding farm is the highly contagious H5N8 strain. It is the first case of the H5 strain in the UK since 2008.

Action is being taken to contain the outbreak and a cull of all 6,000 birds at the farm is now underway. A 10km restriction zone is also in operation, prohibiting movement of poultry, products and waste.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the outbreak is linked to recent cases in the Netherlands and Germany, which were also the H5N8 strain.

A spokesperson for Defra said: "As part of our robust action in response to the confirmed case of avian flu, the culling of 6,000 ducks on the affected farm in east Yorkshire is underway.

"The cull to prevent the spread of potential infection is being carried out in a safe and humane manner by fully trained Animal and Plant Health Agency (formerly AHVLA) staff.

"Our response to this outbreak follows tried and tested procedures for dealing with avian flu outbreaks and we expect the cull to be completed later today."

According to the Chief Medical Officer and Public Health England the risk to public health is "very low". The Food Standards Agency says poultry and poultry products (such as eggs) are safe to eat as long as they are cooked thoroughly.

Image ©MiNe/Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-2.0






Become a member
or log in to add this story to your CPD history