Avian influenza H6N1 confirmed at poultry premises in East Anglia
| This news story was last substantively updated on 27 February 2009. For later news on this story please see Defra's news story index and/or our Avian Influenza website pages. |
Further laboratory tests following a routine veterinary investigation at two poultry premises in East Anglia have now confirmed that the avian influenza virus present is H6N1.
The H6 virus type has been isolated in domestic poultry and wild birds in Europe over the last few years.
Animal Health began the investigation late on Tuesday evening (24 February) and is waiting for further laboratory tests to determine whether the virus is high or low pathogenicity, and these results are not expected for some days.
All avian influenza viruses (H1 to H16) can exist in the low pathogenic form but to date only those of H5 and H7 sub types have been associated with high pathogenicity .To date there is no evidence that avian influenza of the H6 type has been found to be highly pathogenic, but this possibility cannot be ruled out until the further laboratory tests are complete.
Restrictions remain in place on the premises while the investigation continues. No further precautionary restrictions are considered necessary in the area at present.
Further information
- Avian influenza information on Defra website
- Health Protection Agency information
- Food Standards Agency
- Information is available from the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77) - see current opening hours. Bird keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates on 0844 884 4600.
Page last modified: 5 March 2009 15:30
Page published: 27 February 2009 15:30