UK Bird Flu Update: H5N1 Confirmed At 2nd Premises

Avian Influenza update: H5N1 confirmed at second premises

Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (UK)

Laboratory test results have today confirmed H5N1 Avian Influenza in turkeys at one of the Dangerous Contact premises. These premises were confirmed as a Dangerous Contact, and placed under restriction, on 14th November. Culling was completed on 17th November. On clinical inspection the flock appeared healthy which indicates the infection was in its early stages.

As a result of confirming disease this now becomes the second Infected Premises. A 3km radius Protection Zone is being placed around the premises on the Norfolk-Suffolk border and the existing Surveillance Zone is being extended.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said:

"The laboratory test results today highlight the importance of poultry keepers in the area being extremely vigilant. It is essential they practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health office."

The national ban on bird gatherings remains firmly in place. Movement restrictions apply in the Protection, Surveillance and Restricted Zones, and bird keepers in those zones are required to house or otherwise isolate their birds from wild birds.

Notes to editors

1. Further information and advice is available via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates, on 0844 884 4600.

2. The details on the measures that apply in the current zones can be found on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm

Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.

As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed would be offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line with established protocols. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

ENDS

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