CALLS have been made to compensate farmers whose businesses have been affected by an outbreak of bird flu in Lancashire.

Specialist teams remain on site dealing with the case at Staveley’s Eggs, Field Foot Farm, Goosnargh.

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The restrictions in place since July 10 mean all poultry farms within a 10 kilometre temporary control zone around the affected premises are not allowed to move poultry and other animals.

The zone stretches into Ribble Valley with farms affected by the measures.

The humane culling of around 170,000 birds was completed last week.

It is hoped all restrictions on animal movements can be lifted on August 16.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said preliminary cleansing and disinfection of Field Foot Farm farm was completed on Friday.

Nigel Evans, Ribble Valley MP said he would support farmers affected by restrictions. He said: “I will take the cases of any farmers financially affected by the ban on poultry movements directly to Defra.

“They were just unlucky they fall within the locality of the outbreak .”

Mr Evans praised the response of agencies dealing with the avian flu outbreak.

He said: “The response was, quick, decisive and clear and I’m sure the best people have been put in place to prevent any spread of the disease which could have been a disaster for agriculture in Lancashire.”

Those dealing with the outbreak ask people to report suspected disease to their nearest APHA office and anyone finding five or more wild birds dead in the same location should contact Defra on 0345 933 5577.