Bird flu has been confirmed in Cumbria for the second time this year.
The Animal and Plant Agency said HN51 had been found at premises near Appleby and a 3km captive bird monitoring controlled zone had been put in place.
It said all bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow stringent biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.
There have been 170 cases confirmed in the UK since October, including one at a premises near Lazonby, last month.
Currently, there are 145 cases in England; 20 cases in Scotland; four cases in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumbria County Council, said: “I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.
“However, it is important people do not touch or pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.
“I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases to their nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency office.”
In all disease zones, you must:
- follow the biosecurity rules to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading
- keep a record of anyone that transports or markets poultry or poultry eggs (there are exemptions for table eggs)
- follow the rules for marking, sourcing, cutting, transporting and storing fresh meat and meat products
- comply with any biosecurity rules imposed by a veterinary inspector
- not organise or attend bird gatherings (including bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales)
- not release game birds
In a captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone, you must:
- keep poultry and other captive birds housed
- keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs that enter or leave your premises, except eggs that are being moved direct to wholesale or retail premises to be sold
If people find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, report the to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds
