00:00Around 2,000 birds have died following a bird flu outbreak at a commercial poultry farm near
00:06Belford in Northumberland. Counselor Guy Renner-Thompson says around 29,000 birds will be
00:13culled to control the disease. DEFRA has established a protection zone 3km around the
00:18site, with a wider surveillance zone extending 10km. That includes the Farn Islands, known
00:24for their important seabird populations. Farming representatives say the outbreak is devastating
00:31for those directly affected and could threaten other producers if the disease spreads. Poultry
00:37keepers are being urged to maintain strict biosecurity and report concerns promptly to a vet or DEFRA.
