Ministerial Statement by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on results of the UK survey of wild birds for the presence of avian influenza - 1 December 2005
In my oral statement to the House on 26th October (Official Report Column 308) I referred to the work my department is carrying out jointly with ornithologists to monitor wild birds for avian influenza in the UK. The results of this surveillance will be of interest, to varying degrees, to the House and general public. My department has therefore established mechanisms for the reporting of the surveys findings according to the level of significance as follows:
We expect that a number of samples taken over the coming months will demonstrate the presence of low pathogenic non H5 or H7 avian influenza viruses. These have little significance in the epidemiology of avian influenza disease in domestic poultry. When these low pathogenic AI virus types (which are not H5 or H7) are isolated, they will be reported via the Defra website as will negative results : www.defra.gov.uk.
In the event that low pathogenic avian influenza viruses of type H5 or H7 are isolated, my department will ensure that Health colleagues are informed as early as possible and prepare a briefing document which gives a clear explanation of the findings. If appropriate, a press briefing or conference will be held jointly with Health colleagues which will seek to cover as many issues as possible. Information will be posted on the Defra website and stakeholders will be updated.
Should a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of any type be isolated Health colleagues will be informed and an announcement to both Houses will be made. My department will ensure the thorough communication of the facts to the public and arrange early stakeholder meetings to ensure that key messages are understood. Communications will take place regularly as the disease strain is identified and investigations reveal more information.
Page published: 1 December 2005