NEWS RELEASE
Date: 21 November 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
Avian influenza update: precautionary culling on a fifth premises
As part of the epidemiological investigation a decision has been taken today to declare a fifth premises as a Dangerous Contact. All poultry on this premises will be culled as a precautionary measure. This action is in line with our contingency plans and a veterinary assessment of the risk.
These premises are within the existing Surveillance Zone and have been under restrictions and investigation since 15th November.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said:
"This decision has been taken based on new information which indicates the possibility that the poultry on this premise may have been exposed to infection. I can not emphasise enough that it is essential all poultry keepers 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.
End
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Page published: 21 November 2007 16:50