Bird flu found in Cumbria is highly contagious, experts confirm.
Avian flu was confirmed yesterday at premises near Silecroft in West Cumbria.
Testing was carried out to determine the pathogen, which has come back as high risk this morning.
The risk of incursion of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza H5 in wild birds has increased from medium (event occurs regularly) to high (event occurs often) for wild birds.
A 3km protection zone, a 10km protection zone and the culling of birds at risk were put in place.
The zones restrict access to locations where birds are kept and impose restrictions on the movement of birds.
Temporary road signs will be put in place along the zone boundaries.
The response is being led locally by Cumbria County Council, Copeland Borough Council, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency).
People in direct contact with the premises have been contacted and offered appropriate preventative treatment.
Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. However, anyone who is concerned should call NHS 111 or speak to their GP.
