Inquiry underway after outbreak of Bird Flu in Lancashire

Bird flu has been confirmed in a 'flock' of about 10,000 pheasants at a premises in Lancashire, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said.

The H5N8 strain of avian flu was confirmed by the UK's chief veterinary officer.

It means the loss of all 10,000 birds at Hy-Fly Hatcheries near Preesall.

A number have already died and the rest are being culled.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the infected area to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

A full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England has said the risk to public health from the virus is "very low", while the Food Standards Agency said bird flu did not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

• Nigel Gibbens, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, on the seriousness of the H5N8 strain:

Duncan Priestner, the chairman of the National Farmers Union poultry board, says it's a difficult time for farmers in the affected area:

Click here to find out more about bird flu and how to reduce the risks: