A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a backyard flock on a farm in St Ives, Cornwall, just days after the UK government heightened the bird flu risk level.

The outbreak, involving the H5N1 strain, was announced by Defra on Sunday, November 17. All 42 birds at the affected site will be culled to prevent the disease from spreading. Authorities have also established a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the farm.

This marks the second confirmed case of avian influenza in the UK this season. Earlier this month, the disease was identified in a free-range flock in East Yorkshire, the first outbreak since the UK regained its avian influenza-free status in March. The detection resulted in Britain losing this status under World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines.

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Meanwhile, Northern Ireland continues to maintain self-declared zonal freedom from HPAI.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has called on bird owners to remain watchful and act swiftly if they spot symptoms of the disease.

“Immediate steps have been taken to limit the risk of the disease spreading and all remaining poultry at the farm will be humanly culled,” She confirmed.

Reassurances were offered to the public, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stating that the risk to human health is very low. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) also emphasised that bird flu does not pose a food safety threat to consumers in the UK.

“Winter is a greater risk period for avian influenza and this case demonstrates that, now is the time if you are a bird keeper to ensure you have very robust biosecurity.” she stressed.

Risk levels adjusted

The government recently increased the risk level for avian influenza in wild birds to ‘high.’ For poultry with poor biosecurity, the risk has risen to ‘medium with low uncertainty.’ However, for premises with robust biosecurity, the risk remains ‘low with low uncertainty.’

New rules for bird keeper registration

In a bid to bolster protection against future outbreaks, bird keepers in Scotland - whether they own one bird or many - are now required to register their details by December 1, under a new government database. The compulsory registration scheme, introduced in October, aims to enhance monitoring and protect the poultry industry from disease threats.

With winter posing a heightened risk for bird flu, maintaining stringent biosecurity and adhering to official guidance will be vital for preventing further cases.