Ouseburn Farm remains closed after avian flu outbreak

Ouseburn Farm has been closed for over a week
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Ouseburn Farm remains temporarily close after birds became infected with avian flu.

The farm shut its doors on Tuesday, January 25 after the birds were diagnosed with the flu by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

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APHA visited the farm on the Sunday before to perform tests on the animals after staff became concerned about the health of the flock.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was introduced in the country in November 2021 and there have been 70 cases of the flu so far.

The birds at Ouseburn Farm are being isolated indoors and are following strict biosecurity measures.

The farm has stated that despite their efforts, no measures can 100% contain the flu and the farm's location next to the Ouseburn River adds an extra risk.

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The movement of wild birds and mammals can carry the disease, which is the suspected source of the farm animal's infection.

Ouseburn Farm is working with DEFRA to follow government advice for infected premises.

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to public health is very low, but not impossible.

The Food Standards Agency has also stated that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

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Ouesburn Farm hopes to open again as soon as safely possible.

In a statement posted on Facebook last week, the Farm stated: “Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support this week following our announcement on Tuesday.

“It has really meant the world to us, and especially to the staff that have been on site this week.

“Thank you also to those people that made a donation to the farm to help us meet our costs while we are closed. We hope to be able to share details of our reopening plans soon, and it will be a real boost to see you all again after such a difficult time.”

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