5th February 2007

Bird Flu Confirmed In Suffolk

Read more: Health Wildlife | Comments (0)

On Saturday the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) confirmed that the H5N1 avian influenza identified in sampled from in poultry found dead on a farm near Lowestoft in Suffolk is the highly pathogenic Asian strain. It is similar to the virus that was found in Hungary in January.

As further information becomes available and in consultation with ornithological experts further restrictions may be required.

Keepers of birds are urged to be vigilant and to exercise good biosecurity. Any owners that suspect disease should act quickly and consult their vet. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and must be reported to the local Divisional Veterinary Manager in the State Veterinary Service.

According to Defra, there is no reason for public health concern. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass - very rarely and with difficulty - to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. Defra, the Health Protection Agency and local NHS are continuing to work closely to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken. Despite this incident, the current level of risk to humans from H5N1 remains extremely low.