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NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 450/07
Date: 6 December 2007

Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Update on avian Influenza outbreak in Suffolk

Following expert consideration of surveillance and tracing results, Defra has today confirmed the intention to lift the Protection and Surveillance Zones put in place as part of control measures for the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Suffolk. 

This is subject to there being no adverse changes in the disease situation. The intention is to lift zones on the following dates:

  • The first Protection Zone is expected to lift, and become part of the wider Surveillance Zone, on Saturday 8th December;
  • The second Protection Zone is expected to lift, and become part of the wider Surveillance Zone, on Monday 10th December;
  • The wider Surveillance Zone and Restricted Zone are expected to lift on 19 December.

The requirement to house birds within the Restricted Zone (but outside the Surveillance Zone) is also expected to lift on 10th December.  Other restrictions on bird gatherings and movements of poultry and poultry meat within the zones will remain in place.

Notes to editors

  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.
  2. Advice and information on H5N1 avian influence is available via the Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu or via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates on 0844 884 4600.
  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.

 

End

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Page published: 6 December 2007 10:18

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs