A CONTROL zone containing an outbreak of bird flu in Lancashire is likely to be imposed for at least two weeks, an MP said.

The Department For Environment, Food & Rural Affairs confirmed that a highly pathogenic strain has been found on a Staveley’s Eggs poultry farm.

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An estimated 170,000 birds are being slaughtered at Field Foot Farm, just outside Longridge, following preliminary laboratory results. And the full tests have now revealed the avian flu is the H7N7 strain, which can infect people.

Warnings around moving poultry have been given to famers all over East Lancashire.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans says the public should not be alarmed. He said: “This strain could affect people but there has never been any instance of it doing so in the UK.

"Defra worked quickly to contain the outbreak and they did a brilliant job. The 10km control zone will remain for around two weeks and only when it is absolutely assured that there is no chance of there being any spreading will it be lifted.

“Birds can be moved under licence working with Defra. I think these preparations are absolutely right as distressing as it must be for all concerned.”

Staveley’s is co-operating with officers from the Animal & Plant Health Agency and a 10km control zone, stretching into the Ribble Valley and outskirts of Blackburn, remains in force.

Lancashire County Council is enforcing a series of footpath closures around the farm — and the control zone resulted in the poultry section at Goosnargh & Longridge Show being cancelled.

Public Health England has released a public statement agreeing that the risk to public health from this strain is very low. And the Food Standards Agency said there is no food-safety risk for consumers.

The strain is highly contagious in flocks and can cause deaths in birds. But it is not the H5N1 strain that has led to hundreds of deaths in people worldwide.

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “Restrictions put in place last week will continue and the humane culling of all birds at the site is progressing.”

Prof Andrew Easton, of the University of Warwick, said: “There is no reason to believe there is a threat to humans.”