All articles tagged with #defra
UK Defra-commissioned climate-security briefing, backed by intelligence agencies, warned that ecosystem collapse could trigger food shortages, mass migration and conflict, but was buried; a leak reveals harsher projections—including Congo rainforest loss and Himalayan river declines driving European migration—and highlights a recurring pattern of secrecy and inaction on climate risk.
A sheep in Cornwall tested positive for bluetongue, a disease spread by biting midges that affects ruminants but not humans. The sheep died, but no culling of other animals is planned. Farmers are advised to maintain strict biosecurity and report any signs of infection to authorities.
Avian flu restrictions have been imposed in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and parts of Yorkshire to prevent further outbreaks, following recent detections in these areas. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, requiring bird keepers to enhance biosecurity measures. While the risk to human health is low and poultry products remain safe to eat, bird keepers must report any signs of disease immediately. Authorities are actively working to control the spread of the virus.