ALL birds at a commercial poultry farm near Bromsgrove are set to be culled after avian flu has been confirmed at the premises.

On November 26 the government confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, also known as bird flu has been found in commercial poultry near Bromsgrove.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has placed a three-kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the premises.

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.

Sadly, DEFRA has also confirmed all birds on the premises will be humanely culled.

Elsewhere in Worcestershire, on October 13 bird flu was confirmed in a mixed flock of captive birds near Leigh Sinton, Malvern Hills.

Since October 1 there have been 122 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England

There have been 255 cases of (HPAI) H5N1 in England since the H5N1 outbreak started in October last year.

All poultry and captive birds must be housed in England until further notice, following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds and on commercial premises.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across the country driven by high levels of disease within wild birds.

“Unfortunately, we expect the number of cases to continue to rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK, bringing with them further risk of disease that can spread into our kept flocks.”