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Avian Influenza H7N7 confirmed in Oxfordshire

This news story was last substantively updated on 17 June 2008. For later news on this story please see Defra's news story index and/or our Avian Influenza website pages.

Update: 17 June

Defra has published an epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.

The report concludes that, at the time of writing (11 June), the outbreak is confined to a single premises, and there is no evidence of infection in the Protection Zone or of spread to any other premises. However, investigations continue.

The report suggests that it is possible that the Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian influenza derived from a Low Pathogenic strain already present on the farm, analysis and investigations are ongoing, and a number of source hypotheses are being considered.

Situation: 5 June

On 3 June, Avian Influenza was confirmed in laying hens at a farm in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The strain is highly pathogenic H7N7. Preliminary analysis also indicates that this H7N7 strain is likely to be related to viruses which have occasionally been detected in domestic poultry and wild birds elsewhere in Europe. Further laboratory tests are in progress. 

A Protection Zone of 3km and a Surveillance Zone of 10km have been established and bird gatherings and movement restrictions apply within these zones. More information on restrictions and licences.

It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your vet. If you suspect that your birds have Avian Influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately.

The Health Protection Agency has advised that H7N7 avian flu remains largely a disease of birds and the risk to human health is low.

Further information

Page last modified: 19 June 2008
Page published: 5 June 2008