The disease, also known as avian flu, has since spread to some mammals in the UK, including otters and foxes with experts suggesting they may have eaten dead wild birds that carried the virus.

In Lancashire there are currently 13 surveillance and protection zones covering parts of Lancashire, including Kirkham, Leyland, Much Hoole, Lancaster, Pilling and Poulton-le-flyde.

When avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds, disease control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease.

Within these zones, a range of restrictions on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping can apply.

There have been 16 outbreaks of bird flu in Lancashire since October 2021, according to the Government website.

Thankfully, there haven’t been any outbreaks in the region in 2023.

Here is every bird flu outbreak in Lancashire since October 2021:

• November 4, 2022: Near Kirkham in Fylde
• November 3, 2022: Near Lancaster
• November 1, 2022: Near Much Hoole, South Ribble
• October 29, 2022: Two premises near Much Hoole, South Ribble
• October 26, 2022: Near Much Hoole, South Ribble
• October 24, 2022: Near Pilling, Wyre
• October 19, 2022: Near Leyland, South Ribble
• October 11, 2022: Near Kirkham, Fylde
• October 9, 2022: Near Burscough
• September 24, 2022: Near Poulton-le-Fylde
• January 7, 2022: Near Upholland
• November 25, 2021: Near Poulton-le-Fylde
• November 26, 2021: Near Clitheroe
• November 12, 2021: Near Salwick
• October 11, 2021: Near Kirkham

What is bird flu?

Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans.

There are lots of different strains of bird flu virus, and most of them do not infect humans.

More than seven million captive birds have died of bird flu or been culled for disease control since an outbreak started in October 2021.

Experts and officials say the risk to humans remains low.

Dr Alastair Ward, associate professor of biodiversity and ecosystem management, at the University of Leeds, says that while the developments do not increase the risk of the virus spilling over into humans, this is not 100% certain.

He explained: “Humans rarely come into contact with wild foxes or otters, and potentially infectious contact is likely to be rarer still.

“In the past, a relatively small number of humans who have lived or worked very closely with affected poultry e.g. in slaughter houses, have become infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, with variable outcomes.”

While there is no transmission within mammalian populations, the risk to humans remains low.

Globally, about 870 human infections and 457 deaths have been reported to the WHO in 21 countries.

But the pace has slowed, and there have been about 170 infections and 50 deaths in the last seven years.

Experts say sensible precautions can be taken like avoiding contact with wild mammals and birds, wearing protective gloves and a face covering if contact is unavoidable, and washing hands and soiled clothing with soap and water after exposure to affected environments.

Symptoms of H5N1 infection are similar to those of other flus, including a cough, aches and fever, and in serious cases patients can develop life-threatening pneumonia.