The Animal and Plant Health Agency of the United Kingdom announced an outbreak in a pheasant-growing operation in Warrington, in the county of Cheshire.  Warrington is situated midway between Liverpool and Manchester and lies on the Mersey River in a region obviously attracting migratory waterfowl.

The flock was depopulated and a six-mile surveillance zone established.

Pheasants are reared as game birds and are maintained in enclosed flight pens before release.

An early outbreak before the onset of fall is concerning since it confirms the shedding of avian influenza virus by free-living birds.