Bird flu outbreak was restricted

A control zone has been set up around the infected premises

An outbreak of bird flu in Oxfordshire was confined to a single premise, a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report has concluded.

More than 25,000 chickens were culled after birds tested positive for the H7 strain of the disease on Eastwood Farm, near Banbury on 3 June.

Defra's epidemiology report, published on Tuesday, says there was no evidence of infection in the protection zone.

However, investigations continue and the source is still being examined.

The report suggests the possiblity that the highly pathogenic H7N7 avian influenza came from a low pathogenic strain already present on the farm.

Surveillance zones

Nigel Gibbens, chief veterinary officer, said: "The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of avian influenza and the report highlights the need for flock owners and poultry vets to remain vigilant for signs of disease.

"I would encourage all keepers to maintain good quality records and practise high standards of biosecurity."

The 3km (1.8-mile) protection and 10km (6.2-mile) surveillance zones remain in place.

Further surveillance, testing and epidemiological work on the outbreak are continuing.