A family whose farm was hit by bird flu, have spoken of their shock at the outbreak - saying they wouldn't have wished it on their worst enemy.

The disease was found two weeks ago in free range chickens at Eastwood Farm, between Shenington and Shutford, in north Oxfordshire, and led to the slaughter of the 25,000-head flock.

The farm is run by Richard and Anthea Court and their son Jonathon.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the outbreak had been contained on the 150-acre farm. But while the family will be compensated for the slaughtered chickens, they will not be paid for loss of income from egg production.

The farm had three egg collections a week with thousands of eggs being picked up.

Mrs Court said: "It has obviously been a difficult time for us and we would not wish it on our worst enemy.

"We are a close family. We have always worked together and have taken strength from each other.

"We have had tremendous support from friends and the farming community."

The flock was brought to the farm in February and March. The family noticed some chickens were ill and, on their vet's advice, treated them with antibiotics. Initially the hens appeared to be recovering, but later larger numbers started dying.

Mrs Court said the farm was being disinfected, and would eventually be re-stocked.

Defra suspect a flock of mallard ducks reared for sport shooting may have been responsible for spreading the disease.