Bird flu has arrived in Cumbria for the first time in 2025.
A premises near Lazonby is the latest to test positive for avian influenza.
All affected birds on the premises will be humanely culled, the Animal and Plant Health Agency said.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared surrounding the premises.
In 3km protection zones people must:
- follow the rules for 10km surveillance zones and 10km temporary control zones
- keep poultry and other captive birds housed – find out how to house them safely
- follow the instructions from your veterinary inspector to dispose of any bird carcasses
- not spread poultry litter, manure or slurry, or remove them from your premises
- not move poultry or other captive birds onto or off your premises without a licence (there are exceptions for pets)
- not move eggs without a licence (you can move table eggs to wholesale or retail premises to be sold directly to consumers)
- not move poultry meat inside or outside the zone, unless you follow the rules in the case declaration
By law, people with birds must follow strict biosecurity and hygiene rules including:
- keep ducks and geese separate from other birds
- prevent contact with wild birds and rodents
- clean housing, equipment, vehicles and footwear
- keep records of bird movements, deaths and eggs
- additional rules if you keep more than 500 birds
In all disease control zones, people 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
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with mandatory biosecurity measures remains in force across Great Britain.
On March 24, in Yorkshire, influenza of an avian origin was detected in a sheep for the first time. Further testing of the remaining flock was negative.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency said: “While this is the first time avian influenza virus has been detected in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries. There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation’s livestock population.”
