A pheasant

A case of bird flu (avian influenza H5N8) has been confirmed in a flock of pheasants at Pilling, Preston.

A 3km protection zone has been put in place around the premises along with a 10km surveillance zone in an attempt to prevent the disease from spreading.

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Some birds at the premises have already died and the remaining birds are to be humanely culled.

The flock at Pilling is approximately 10,000 birds and a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection.

Public Health England advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency have stated that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) have recently dealt with outbreaks in Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and south west Wales.