Natural England

Updated 5 June 2008

Defra has confirmed Avian Influenza in chickens at a free-range egg unit on premises near Banbury in Oxfordshire after preliminary tests were positive for the H7 strain.

Laboratory testing continues and results which will allow confirmation of whether the strain is high or low pathogenicity will follow. All birds on the premises are being slaughtered as a precautionary measure.

Protection and Surveillance Zones are now in place. The 3km inner zone is now a Protection Zone and the 10km outer zone is now a Surveillance Zone.

Natural England is supporting Defra and will be giving advice on wildlife and assistance with wild bird surveillance on National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific (SSSIs) in the area as necessary.

A footpath running through the infected premises has been closed; this is standard procedure. We are working closely with the Local Authority and reviewing the situation regularly. All other footpaths and access land in the area remain open.

For the latest information please see the Defra website.