UK Avian Flu Info Bulletin - Protection Zone Lifts

Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (UK)

Avian influenza update - protection zone to lift

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Defra has today confirmed that the Protection Zone put in place as part of control measures for the H7N7 avian influenza outbreak in Oxfordshire will lift at 00.01 Sunday 29 June provided that no new suspect cases are identified before then.

Active surveillance in the area has shown no evidence of disease spread and infection appears to be confined to the one infected premises.

Restrictions associated with the Protection Zone will fall, including the requirement to house birds, and Surveillance Zone controls will instead apply in the area. Restrictions on bird gatherings and movements of poultry and poultry products are still in place, and keepers should maintain good biosecurity practices and report any suspicion of disease immediately.

NOTES

1. The earliest that a Protection Zone can be lifted is 21 days after preliminary cleansing and disinfection has been completed on an Infected Premises. The earliest that a Surveillance Zone can be lifted is 30 days after preliminary cleansing and disinfection has been completed. Preliminary cleansing and disinfection was completed on 7 June so this is the earliest possible date to lift the Protection Zone.

2. Advice and information on avian influenza is available via the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu

3. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this usually 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.

4. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Website http://www.defra.gov.uk

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ENDS

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