Great Britain loses disease-free status after bird flu outbreak

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 has been confirmed in a small poultry flock in Ness, Isle of Lewis. This outbreak marks the first case of the season in Great Britain, resulting in the loss of the region's official disease-free status.

Authorities have established a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the affected premises. Within these zones, strict disease-control rules are in effect, including requirements for licenses to move poultry, eggs, carcasses, and manure, as well as prohibitions on releasing game birds. These restrictions apply to the entire premises if any part of the land falls within the designated boundaries.

The British Egg Industry Council noted that control zones will remain until surveillance is complete and no further suspect cases are under investigation. While the risk to poultry is considered low if biosecurity is maintained, the risk from wild birds remains medium. Poultry keepers are urged to implement stringent biosecurity measures, such as separating different animal types and monitoring changes in feed and water consumption.