Bird Flu Infects Turkeys In Farm In Suffolk, England - H5N1 Virus Strain Confirmed

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Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 13 Nov 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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As avian flu is confirmed in a poultry farm in Suffolk, East Anglia, England, 5,000 birds are being slaughtered at Redgrave Park Farm, near Diss. Ducks and geese at the farm are also being destroyed, say authorities. The birds will probably be gassed and then put into sealed containers.

Following further test results from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the strain of Avian Influenza present at the Infected Premises near Diss is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Further characterisation of the virus is in progress, which may give an indication of the origin of the strain.

Government authorities say a three-kilometer Protection Zone and a ten-kilometer Surveillance Zone have been placed around the farm. All the farm birds will be housed to make sure there is no contact with wild birds.

According to Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) spokesman said European Union officials have been informed, as have all UK poultry keepers.

Redgrave Poultry, the company that rents the farm, has had all its employees vaccinated as a precaution.

Defra informs that additional restrictions are being put in place in a wider area surrounding the infected farm, as a precautionary measure after consulting with ornithologists and other experts. The additional restriction goes beyond the 10km surveillance zone - in fact, the new Restricted Zone covers the whole of Suffolk and a large part of Norfolk.

"This is still an early stage in the outbreak. The new Restricted Zone requires the isolation of poultry from wild birds. Movements within this zone can take place, but movements are not permitted out of the new zone at present. We expect to make available general licences for low risk movements out of the zone shortly," a Defra bulletin informs.

The national general licence permitting bird gatherings in England has been revoked - such events as bird shows and pigeon racing are forbidden for the time being.

Defra explains that the restrictions may be adjusted as further information becomes available and ornithological and other experts are consulted.

Details on the measures that apply in the current Zones can be found on the Defra website here.

Defra avian influenza page

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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