Avian influenza (Bird flu): Avian Influenza Stakeholder meeting, 27 April 2006
| Attending:
Mark Williams – BEIC Via teleconference: Andrew Knowles – BPEX
|
Rachel Newton – BVA |
1. Introductions –Chair Debby Reynolds
Debby passed on Mr Bradshaw’s apologies to the Stakeholder group. He wished to attend the whole of the meeting but had to attend a parliamentary debate and so could only make the second half.
2. Update on the current Norfolk incident – Debby Reynolds
The suspected premises is a broiler breeder poultry farm near Dereham, Norfolk. There are around 35,000 birds on the farm.
The suspected premises and a nearby hatchery have both been placed under restrictions, as have the other premises of the company which owns the Norfolk premises.
The case was reported to Animal Health by a private vet on 25 April and on site investigation began at 7.30am on Wednesday 26 April. Samples were sent directly to the Weybridge Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) on the same day (26 April). The birds had showed loss of appetite, drop in egg production and a ‘low’ level of mortality, starting on 20 April.
There is currently no suggestion that the Norfolk incident is in any way related to the Fife incident. There has been no reassessment of the Scottish Wild Bird Risk Area.
3. Action already taken – Debby Reynolds
The UK has suspended the issue of export certificates. This is a routine action in the circumstances. The Health Protection Agency is working at a national and regional level on human health issues.
4. Issues raised by Stakeholders
Will the UK lose its Avian Influenza Free status if the virus in the Norfolk incident is low pathogenic avian influenza? How will this effect export certificates for poultry?
The UK did not lose its Avian Influenza Free status after the discovery in an Essex Quarantine facility of H5N1 infection in Mesias from Taiwan.
If low pathogenic avian influenza is confirmed the issue of export certificates will depend on the specific agreements that the UK has with third countries (countries outside the EU). Some countries have only specified that the UK will lose its Avian Influenza Free status upon the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic poultry. This is an issue that will be taken on a country by country basis.
If high pathogenic avian influenza is confirmed the UK will lose its Avian Influenza Free status.
What other H7 cases have there been in the UK?
There have been four cases of H7 avian influenza in the UK since 1979. In 1997 there was one case of low pathogenic AI in turkeys in Northern Ireland.
When do we expect further results?
We expect confirmation of the pathogenicity of the virus tomorrow (28 April) and complete identification on Saturday 29 April at the earliest.
How will the birds be culled?
Defra has two containerised gassing units on site. The welfare issues of catching birds will be reiterated to the catcher gangs and this remains a priority in the disposal of the birds.
What restrictions would be put in place if it is confirmed as low pathogenic avian influenza?
The minimum restrictions would be a 1km restriction zone around the infected premises. Additional restrictions could be put in place on the basis of a veterinary risk assessment.
How many pig units are in the area?
This is something that is being investigated.
Will Defra consider whole house gassing?
This is an issue that Defra is considering. We are carrying out a trial of whole house gassing to test the welfare implications of the procedure. There is no philosophical objection to whole house gassing but it must be explored further before being used.
How will Defra respond to industry fears over the biosecurity of catching teams employed on suspect and infected premises?
It was agreed in the meeting that Defra would work with stakeholders to produce protocol explaining the catching process and the biosecurity measures taken during poultry catching. This would then be distributed to the industry.
Action: Ann Waters to discuss with Peter Bradnock – BPC
Has the GB Poultry Register been used to alert those who signed up?
The following SMS text message has just been issued to the 9,982 poultry keepers across England and Wales, who provided their mobile numbers to the GB Poultry Register. Please note, that these keepers are actually responsible for 11,297 poultry premises (i.e. some keepers have registered more than one site) which represent just over 50% of the total poultry premises in England & Wales on the GB Poultry Register.
This alert message will have captured just over 50% of the poultry premises in England and Wales that are on the GB Register.
"GBPoultryRg: High suspicion of H7 AI at 1 broiler breeder site nr Dereham, Norfolk. H5 ruled out. Birds on site being culled. Be biosecure. Latest info www.defra.gov.uk"
Can bird shows and bird fairs still take place?
Defra’s advice on Bird shows and Bird fairs remains unchanged under the current risk assessment. Shows and fairs can continue to take place under the general license system. This will be reviewed as the disease situation becomes clearer.
Are the media being allowed onto the suspected premises?
The media are not being allowed the enter the suspected premises for biosecurity reasons. The movement of persons on a suspected premises increases the risk of the disease spreading and presents a human health risk too.
Any other business
Janet Houghton-Wallace informed the meeting that due to the current situation she had cancelled the competitive classes for poultry at this year’s Royal Show.
Thanks – Debby Reynolds
Debby thanked the stakeholders for participating in the meeting and asked that any additional queries should be put to Kate Ward in the Avian Influenza Briefing Team.
Page last modified:
November 14, 2007 13:38