Bird flu outbreak leads to imposed cull

Bird flu has been discovered at a site in Lincolnshire, officials have confirmed.

The H5N1 virus was found in commercial poultry at a premises near Gainsborough on Tuesday, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Defra said the virus had also been found in commercial poultry at a site near Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, on Tuesday, and at a premises near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, on Saturday.

All poultry on each premises would be humanely culled, the government body added.

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease affecting birds and can be spread through saliva, feces or contaminated environments.

Defra said a 3km (1.9 mile) protection zone and a 10km (6.2 miles) surveillance zone has been put in place around each of the premises.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices