This is the worst bird flu outbreak in the UK
The UK's chief veterinary officer has issued a plea urging poultry keepers to play their part in stopping the spread of bird flu. The country faces its largest-ever outbreak of the H5N1 virus - with over 60 cases confirmed since the start of November. Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire are the worst-affected areas, with at least nine outbreaks recorded in each county, informs BBC.
However, the virus has spread across Great Britain and outbreaks have been reported on commercial farms and backyard farms as well. "Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards, but the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out," declared Dr. Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer.
She said the main source of infection came from migratory wild birds, but the disease could also be spread on people's clothes and shoes. "Implementing scrupulous biosecurity has never been more critical. You must regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary," she added. Poultry farmers were told to keep their birds inside to avoid any contact with migratory birds.
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