Bird Flu Outbreak Spurs New Red Alert and Heightened Biosecurity Measures in the UK

In Lancashire’s popular seaside area, a suspected outbreak of avian influenza has been identified at Blackpool’s Stanley Park after several swans were found dead and exhibiting signs of the disease. The local council promptly notified DEFRA and advised visitors to keep dogs away from the lake’s edge and avoid touching or feeding any sick or deceased birds as a precautionary measure.

Across England, a wider set of biosecurity measures is now in force due to an overall rise in bird flu cases. The government has extended a Prevention Zone that imposes strict hygiene standards, including enhanced cleaning protocols and mandatory housing for kept birds in some regions, while advising poultry keepers to change clothing and footwear regularly and disinfect vehicles. Chicken and eggs remain safe to eat if properly cooked, but the measures are seen as necessary to halt further spread.

The response from officials also includes a strong call for bird keepers to remain vigilant for any signs of the disease and to report suspicious symptoms immediately. Meanwhile, discussions about vaccinating poultry have surfaced, although current government policy favors robust biosecurity measures and selective culling over vaccination due to concerns over virus evolution and trade implications.

The latest developments occur amid ongoing appeals from poultry farmers for a workable vaccination plan, as the number of outbreaks grows. Despite the low risk of transmission to humans, a recent confirmed case of H5N1 in a West Midlands farm worker has added urgency to the government’s efforts to monitor and manage the situation across the country.