A STRAIN of bird flu was confirmed at a turkey fattening premises in North Yorkshire at the weekend.

Avian influenza of the H5N8 strain was discovered on a farm near Northallerton.

All 10,500 birds at the farm will be humanely culled to limit the spread of the disease.

A 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zone has been put in place around the infected site to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Public Health England (PHE) advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.

“We are urgently looking for any evidence of disease spread associated with this farm to control and eliminate it.”