A fifth case of bird flu has been confirmed in Devon, the second in the same area in two days.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was suspected in commercial poultry on Monday (August 8) at a farm near Cullompton.

A Temporary Control Zones was immediately put in place.

Tests yesterday confirmed that it was indeed an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

The Temporary Control Zone was revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone.

All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.

On Sunday the same strain of bird flu was confirmed in commercial poultry at another farm near Cullompton.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone were put in place around the premises and all poultry on the premises are to be humanely culled.

On Friday bird flu was confirmed in poultry near Ashburton.

There currently five outbreaks of bird flu in Devon, more than in any other county.

On July 21 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on a commercial premises near Dartington and the same strain was found in captive birds that were not poultry near Tiverton on July 8.

When avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds, disease control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease.

Within these zones a range of restrictions on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping can apply.

There have been 108 confirmed cases of avian flu in the UK since November.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is in force across the country. This means, that bird owners, whether they keep them commercially or in a garden, must follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

These measures include:

  • cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
  • reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
  • thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing on a continuous basis
  • keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
  • minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds