Second case of deadly bird flu strain confirmed

A second case of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been found in turkeys in a farm on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said today.

The farm was one of four where culls were taking place because of fears of "dangerous contact" with the initial case at Redgrave Park Farm, discovered last week.

All 9,000 turkeys have already been slaughtered at the new infected premises, which is operated by the same company as the site of the first outbreak.

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The site of the new infection, Hill Meadow Farm, Knettishall, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, is outside the original 3km protection zone set up around Redgrave Park farm, but inside the wider restricted area which covers Suffolk and much of Norfolk.

The premises were identified as having "dangerous contact" with the initial outbreak last week because staff for Redgrave Poultry, the operator of all five sites where culls have taken place, moved between the farms.

Defra said the birds appeared healthy when they were first inspected, but a precautionary cull was completed on Saturday.

Acting chief veterinary officer Fred Landeg said: "The laboratory test results today highlight the importance of poultry keepers in the area being extremely vigilant.

"It is essential they practise the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local animal health office."

A new 3km protection zone has been set up around the farm, and an extended surveillance zone which surrounds both sites has also been established.

The precautionary cull at Grove Farm, Botesdale, Suffolk, inside the initial protection zone, was upgraded to a slaughter on suspicion of having the disease after dozens of birds were found dead by officials.

But initial tests on 5,500 turkeys slaughtered found the site was free of disease.

Officials are still awaiting results following culls at two other farms in Norfolk: Stone House in West Harling, and Bridge Farm, Pulham.