On 16 November, Defra confirmed a case of avian flu on a duck farm in East Yorkshire, the strain identified as H5N8. Movement controls were introduced and these included any pigs kept on farms with poultry.

Defra has now lifted the protection zone restrictions. Surveillance zone controls remain in force within the 10-km area, which includes premises within the previous protected zone, according to the National Pig Association (NPA).

"Our robust and thorough approach to tackling this outbreak has ensured we have the right evidence to support this action at the earliest possible point allowed by European Union law," said Defra.

"Poultry keepers must remain vigilant for signs of disease and must maintain the strictest biosecurity."

As announced previously, general licences are available for the movement of pigs from farms where poultry is kept.

If your premises are within the 10-km surveillance zone, you must not move poultry, other captive birds or mammals (including pigs) to or from premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept (exceptions apply for pet animals).

Meat produced from poultry originating in the former protection zone before it was lifted must continue to be kept separate from other meat, be marked with the special identifying mark and must not be traded with other countries. Defra's updated guidance.

Further Reading

You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.