Veterinary authorities in England have identified a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on a commercial farm (presumably free-range table egg production) attributed to H5N5 strain in the county of Yorkshire.

Appropriate quarantine with depopulation of the flock and zone surveillance was implemented.

This case was preceded by isolation of both H5N1 and H5N5 strains in migratory and free-living birds consistent with observations in Canada, the U.S. the E.U and in Asia.

The announcement of the outbreak was accompanied by recommendations to enhance biosecurity. It is evident that the free-range producers will have to confine flocks in high-risk areas.  The U.K. Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Christine Middlemiss, issued the usual statement reassuring consumers that the infection is not transmissible to humans.