Another protection zone has been established after bird flu was confirmed at a fourth site in Kent.
It has been detected in a large commercial poultry flock at a farm in Newington, near Sittingbourne.
Inspectors at Happy Pants Ranch in Newington. Picture: Happy Pants
On Saturday (December 13) at 6.02pm, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced new measures.
A 3km protection zone has been implemented around the premises, with all birds set to be humanely culled.
It is the third site in the same area to be affected.
The fourth was found further south at a farm in Lydd on November 25.
While the disease primarily affects birds, some strains can spread to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
A third 3km zone has been implemented in the area. It takes the total number of confirmed cases in Kent to four
People could get a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory disease.
Last week, Curly’s Farm in Leysdown on Sheppey decided to cancel its Christmas fair due to fears of an outbreak.
Three of its birds looked unwell and subsequently died.
The independent school for children with special educational needs decided to call the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to assess the situation after the deaths last Monday (December 8).
While the results came back negative, the farm was not able to reopen in time for the event.
Curly’s Farm in Leysdown cancelled its Christmas fair due to bird flu fears. Picture: Kyle Ratcliffe
Other cases in Swale have been confirmed at the Happy Pants Ranch on October 27 and at a commercial poultry farm on December 3.
Happy Pants boss, Amey James, told KentOnline of her devastation after more than 60 birds were culled at the animal sanctuary.
After the outbreak, a 3km control zone was put in place around the farm. The rules for protection and control zones are the same – with the latter being used for outbreaks at non-commercial sites.
Ms James is now left facing a £16,000 bill from the APHA to test her 40 pigs for the flu.
Two 10km surveillance areas are currently in place, stretching from Rochester to Bapchild.
The restrictions mean those who own birds in the area will have to monitor and safely house them.
BB the emu was culled after the outbreak at Happy Pants Ranch. Picture: Happy Pants
They cannot be moved elsewhere during this time.
People are also required to keep a record of visitors and whether they come into contact with any of the birds.
It has forced businesses to temporarily shut while the zones are active.
This includes Hen Weekend Chicken Boarding boss Katriona Shovlin, who has a special hotel in Susans Lane near Upchurch.