LONDON — The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the United Kingdom confirmed cases this week of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 in commercial poultry in Yorkshire.

The health officials decided it would cull all poultry in the infected premises, implement a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone.

This is the only active case in England. Officials said they still have not seen any cases in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the risk to the general public’s health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers,” said Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer for the United Kingdom. “Winter is a greater risk period for avian influenza and this case demonstrates that, now is the time if you are a bird keeper to ensure you have very robust biosecurity. Bird keepers must remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately.”

DEFRA also confirmed in its statement that HPAI H5N5 and H5N1 have been detected in wild birds around Great Britain during the fall. 

The agency said the last outbreak before this was back in February.