Defra: "we need to maintain vigilance" after outbreak of bird flu in Suffolk

  • Anglia
Credit: ITV News Anglia

  • Click here to watch a video report by ITV News Anglia's Tanya Mercer

A biosecurity operation is underway in North Suffolk after a highly pathogenic strain of Avarian flu was found at a poultry farm.

A 10 km restriction zone is now in operation around Bridge Farm near Redgrave - preventing the movement of any poultry or eggs.

Lab tests have confirmed avian flu strain H5N8, which has been circulating in wild bird populations and caused a number of outbreaks in the UK.

DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) say farmers need to maintain vigilance against what they have described as a "devastating disease."

23,000 birds will have to be humanely culled.