LABORATORY results on dead chickens from an Oxfordshire farm show the H7 strain of bird flu is highly contagious.

Further tests will now take place to try to establish the exact type and any links with previously identified Avian flu viruses.

Up to 25,000 laying hens at Eastwood Farm, between Shenington and Shutford, about 10 miles west of Banbury, will be slaughtered this afternoon in a bid to stop the disease spreading.

A detailed epidemiological investigation is also under way to try to establish the origin of the disease.

A three-kilometre protection zone around the farm and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone remain in place.

The movement of birds and bird products has been banned in the whole of the temporary zone and restrictions have been imposed on people housing or having contact with wild birds. All bird gatherings have been banned.

Defra is urgently considering whether any wider measures may be needed.

The Health Protection Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health remains low.

The Food Standards Agency has also confirmed that there are no safety implications for the human food chain.

Poultry keepers are urged to be extremely vigilant, practise the highest levels of bio-security and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health Office immediately.

For more information see the Defra website www.defra.gov.uk