Defra has confirmed Avian Influenza in turkeys on premises near Diss on the Norfolk/Suffolk border

The UK’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed Avian Influenza in turkeys on premises near Diss on the Norfolk/Suffolk border after preliminary tests were positive for the H5 strain.

It comes as yet another blow to UK farmers who are already struggling to recover after being hit by foot-and-mouth and bluetongue.

Defra said all birds on the premises near Diss will be slaughtered.

Scientists are said to be working on confirming whether or not this is H5N1 and whether the strain is high or low pathogenic.

According to Defra, a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone are being established around the infected premises. Inside these zones bird movements will be restricted and all birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds.