Bird flu: 170,000 birds to be culled after case confirmed on Lancashire poultry farm

Defra says threat to public is low but it will continue with the cull of 170,000 birds

Workers disposing of dead birds after Avian Flu outbreak in Yorkshire in November 2014 (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

A case of bird flu has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Lancashire.

The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the case, of the H7N7 subtype, was found at the farm in Goosnarch, Preston.

On Friday, Defra announced that 170,000 birds on the farm are due to be culled and a six mile radius control zone to restrict animal movement was put in place.

Public Health England has said the threat to humans is low and the Food Standards Agency stressed there is no risk of food contamination.

Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said: "Final tests results have confirmed a case of avian flu at a farm in Lancashire. Restrictions put in place last week will continue and the humane culling of all birds at the site is progressing.

"These actions are part of our tried and tested approach to dealing with previous outbreaks.

"Bird keepers should remain alert for any signs of disease, report suspect disease to their nearest APHA office immediately and ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises."