'Bird flu is once again posing a threat' - Minister's warning after outbreak in Shropshire

Farmers and bird keepers have been told to remain vigilant after an outbreak of avian influenza led to a man contracting the virus on a farm in the West Midlands.

Farming minister Daniel Zeichner said the threat has risen and that support is needed if the outbreak is to be kept under control.

New strict bird flu restrictions have been put in place across England, including in Shropshire  which is now subject to an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory housing and biosecurity measures for any kept birds.

A farm in Wem was sealed off an around a million birds destroyed after an outbreak of bird flu. Work has been carried out by officials at Griffiths Family Farms, which is part of Oaklands Farm Eggs and a 3km exclusion zone set up.

It was recently revealed that a farm worker in the West Midlands had contracted the illness and was in a specialist unit being treated, although symptoms are mild. The source of the illness was not disclosed, but the worker affected had been working with birds and the risk to the general population is said to be very low.

Mr Zeichner said: “Avian influenza is once again posing a threat to both kept and wild birds across the country, and supporting bird keepers, the public and conservation bodies to manage and prepare for avian influenza continues to be one of our main priorities.”

He named several areas where an order has been given for poultry to be kept inside, as part of measures to stop the spread of the disease. They include Shropshire,  the East Riding of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, North Yorkshire and the cities of York and Kingston upon Hull.

“We, together with the devolved governments, will be closely monitoring the need to extend mandatory housing to other areas of the country,” he added.

The Labour minister said it was rare for the disease to infect humans, and the Food Standards Agency said the risk to the public through consuming products was “very low”.

He said: “Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.”

Shadow farming minister Victoria Atkins said the outbreak has provided a tough time for farmers.

Ms Atkins referenced the mental and economic problems avian flu can cause for those who own birds. MPs heard that more than a million birds had been culled at one of the country’s largest egg farms.

She said: “This is a very difficult time for bird keepers and farmers, and particularly those whose birds have died or been culled, including of course all who have had to upend their flocks, move them inside.”

She asked whether there would be any impact on the supply of eggs in supermarkets.

Responding, farming minister Daniel Zeichner said: “Although she is absolutely right to raise the point that it was a significant and large producer that was affected, we are confident that supply is secure.”

He said the person infected with the virus was making a complete recovery, and reiterated the only people at risk are those who “are in very, very close proximity” with birds.