Bird flu at farm confirmed

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Tests found 22 chickens and three ducks tested positive for avian flu at the farm in St Helens, Lancashire, said the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The new cases are being linked to the outbreak in north Wales last month where contaminated birds were traded at the Chelford market. Tests have confirmed the virus is the less aggressive H7N2 strain rather than the more pathogenic H5N1 variety.

The private non-commercial farm has been put under restrictions and a one kilometre (0.6 mile) boundary has been imposed around the property.

The birds, together with three peacocks and a peacock chick also at the farm, will now be slaughtered, said the Defra spokeswoman.

A Defra statement said: "Tests have provided positive results for low pathogenic avian influenza in poultry on a non-commercial small holding near St Helens, Lancashire, England.

"Birds at the holding were purchased from the market held in Chelford on Monday, May 7, associated with the recent outbreak of H7N2 low pathogenic avian influenza in Conwy, North Wales."

Fred Landeg, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer added: "The tests were carried out as part of the normal tracings activity which is underway following the outbreak in Wales.

"This is an extensive exercise, and this is the only premises to date with evidence of infection."