NEWS RELEASE
Date: 3 February 2007
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Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
H5N1 in poultry in Suffolk confirmed as Asian strain of avian influenza
This afternoon the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) confirmed that the H5N1 avian influenza identified in sampled from in poultry found dead on a farm near Lowestoft in Suffolk is the highly pathogenic Asian strain. It is similar to the virus that was found in Hungary in January.As further information becomes available and in consultation with ornithological experts further restrictions may be required.
Keepers of birds are urged to be vigilant and to exercise good biosecurity. Any owners that suspect disease should act quickly and consult their vet. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and must be reported to the local Divisional Veterinary Manager in the State Veterinary Service (see below).
There is no reason for public health concern. 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. Defra, the Health Protection Agency and local NHS are continuing to work closely to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken. Despite this incident, the current level of risk to humans from H5N1 remains extremely low.
The European Commission has been informed of this development.
Notes to editors
1. 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.
2. All avian influenzas (H1 to H16) can be low pathogenic but only H5 and H7 are known to become highly pathogenic.
3. The details on the measures that apply in Protection, Surveillance and Restricted Zones can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm
4.
Targeted surveillance for high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza and
other avian influenza viruses in wild birds is in place throughout
the UK and
is ongoing. If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or
swans and you are within a survey area or are unsure whether you
are in a
surveillance area you may wish to contact the Defra Helpline (08459
33 55 77) and choose
the Avian Influenza option or visit the Defra website:
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/wildbirds/surveymap.htm
For further information, please visit the avian influenza pages on the Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm
End
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Page published: 3 February 2007