This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Bird flu outbreak in England
03/02/2007
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus has caused the deaths of turkeys at a poultry farm in Suffolk, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed today.
Another 160,000 turkeys on the farm will be slaughtered while a three kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been set up.
An Executive spokesman said:
"DEFRA have confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu on an enclosed poultry farm near Lowestoft. The Scottish Executive is monitoring the situation in England but there are no direct implications for Scotland at this stage.
"Poultry keepers are reminded of the importance of vigilance for signs of disease and maintaining good biosecurity.
"As a precautionary measure bird gatherings in Scotland are to be cancelled for the time being.
"It is important to remember that bird flu is principally a disease of birds. This H5N1 strain cannot easily be contracted by humans.
"Generally the only people to be affected are those in very close contact with infected birds or their faeces. The virus does not pass easily between people."
In March 2006, a wild swan found dead in Cellardyke, Fife, was found to have the H5N1 strain of the virus. Precautions were put in place, including protection and surveillance zones, and no other cases were reported.
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease of birds characterised by:
- respiratory distress, dullness, swollen heads, a blue colouration of the comb and wattles, lack of appetite, diarrhoea and significant drop in egg production
- the disease presents suddenly, often with very high mortality, however there can be considerable variation in the clinical picture and severity of the disease
- anybody suspecting disease must report this immediately to the SVS by contacting their local Animal Health Office