INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 5 March 2008
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Avian influenza update: wild bird control area lifted
Defra has today confirmed that the Wild Bird Control Area put in place in Dorset on 29 February for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been lifted.
This follows confirmation of H5N1 in a Canada goose in the existing Wild Bird Monitoring Area on 29 February. The lifting of the Control Area today is based on an assessment of risk and of the disease situation.
The Wild Bird Monitoring Area will also reduce in size today, based on expert advice on the area most at risk from disease. The Monitoring Area must remain in place for at least 30 days following the collection of the last positive sample.
Surveillance for disease in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area is ongoing, and new restrictions may need to be reintroduced should the risk of disease increase. The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza, with a slight increase in risk during winter and spring migration.
Bird keepers across the country are reminded to practice good biosecurity and remain vigilant for any signs of disease.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was first confirmed in wild birds in the Dorset area on 10 January and to date 11 cases have been identified in wild birds.
Further information
Information is available from the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77) - see www.defra.gov.uk for current opening hours. Bird keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates on 0844 884 4600.
The details on the measures that apply in the current zones can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu/
End
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Page published: 5 March 2008: 13.05