Bird flu outbreak fears have erupted after a case was confirmed at a premises near Yorkshire, with huge protection and surveillance zones “declared”.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued an update, revealing “highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1” was confirmed at a commercial premises near Pickering, Thirsk and Malton, Yorkshire on March 3. A 3km protection zone and 10kn surveillance zone have been “declared” around the premises, with all poultry birds on the premises “himanely culled”. These measures apply from 18:40pm until the Department’s declaration is withdrawn or amended by further declaration.

The H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes the disease avian influenza, often referred to as “bird flu”. In the past, it has been confirmed in poultry populations across Asia, Russia and some southern European countries. Although this is a bird disease, it has been shown in South East Asia that it can, rarely, be transmitted to humans.

It is also required to keep a record of anyone who transports poultry and not to organise or attend bird gatherings, such as fairs, markets, shows or sales.

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There are four strains that have caused concern in recent years:

• H5N1 (since 1997)
• H7N9 (since 2013)
• H5N6 (since 2014)
• H5N8 (since 2016)

Bird flu is spread through the saliva, mucus and faeces of infected birds and can cause severe respiratory illness.

Symptoms include a very high temperature, aching muscles, headache or a cough or shortness of breath. For medical advice, contact the NHS.

There have been a handful of sporadic cases of bird flu infecting humans in the UK, but the risk to the general public is considered very low.