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Avian Influenza - Remaining restrictions lifted

   

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Ref: 214/08
Date: 7 July 2008

Defra has today announced that the Surveillance Zone and remaining disease control area restrictions put in place following the outbreak of H7N7 avian influenza in Oxfordshire will lift at 00.01 on Tuesday 8 July.

Surveillance has shown that infection appears to have been contained to the single premises, and 30 days have now elapsed since preliminary cleansing and disinfection was completed on that premises.

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Alick Simmons said:

“This incident has demonstrated again the potential for avian influenza to be introduced into domestic poultry in the UK. The risk of further incidents, while low, remains, and I urge poultry keepers to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and to report suspicion of disease promptly.”

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.  Preliminary cleansing and disinfection was completed on 7 June so this is the earliest possible date to lift the Surveillance Zone.
  1. Advice and information on avian influenza 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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: 7 July 2008