Chickens confirmed with bird flu

A control zone has been set up around the infected premises

Chickens on a farm in Oxfordshire have tested positive for bird flu, Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens says.

All birds on the premises, near Banbury, are being slaughtered.

The birds have been confirmed with the H7 strain of the disease, rather than highly virulent H5N1 strain, regarded as a potential threat to human health.

Tests are being conducted to determine the virulence of the H7 strain and a temporary control zone is being set up around the farm.

Human risk 'low'

Mr Gibbens said: "I would stress the need for poultry keepers to be extremely vigilant, practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local animal health office immediately."

The control zone has a 3km (1.8-mile) inner zone and a 10km (6.2-mile) outer zone, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says.

Within the inner zone, all kept birds must be isolated from contact with wild birds. Bird gatherings and movements are banned within the whole zone, as is the movement of some products.

All the birds on the farm, nearby Banbury, are being slaughtered

The Health Protection Agency said it would be following up those who might have been in contact with the infected birds to offer them guidance and preventative medication.