DEFRA lifts avian flu restrictions
Following the outbreak of H5N1 avian flu in Suffolk, England last month, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has lifted the remaining disease control restrictions.
The Surveillance and Restriction Zones will be lifted and any related restrictions on bird gatherings and movements of poultry and poultry meat within the zones will also be lifted.
End of disease on affected area
Defra highlighted that this move follows expert consideration of surveillance and tracing results which indicate that infection has been contained to the two farms in Suffolk.
“Although this marks the end of our active disease control measures in the affected area, we continue to investigate the source of the virus introduction and expect to publish a final epidemiology report in the New Year,†according to acting chief vet Fred Landeg. This follows the first report which was inconclusive and published on at the end of November.
“Poultry keepers must endeavour to learn from this outbreak to prevent and manage similar situations in the future. All should regularly review their biosecurity measures to ensure they meet best practice and remain vigilant for signs of disease,” he added.
Defra highlighted that this move follows expert consideration of surveillance and tracing results which indicate that infection has been contained to the two farms in Suffolk.
“Although this marks the end of our active disease control measures in the affected area, we continue to investigate the source of the virus introduction and expect to publish a final epidemiology report in the New Year,†according to acting chief vet Fred Landeg. This follows the first report which was inconclusive and published on at the end of November.
“Poultry keepers must endeavour to learn from this outbreak to prevent and manage similar situations in the future. All should regularly review their biosecurity measures to ensure they meet best practice and remain vigilant for signs of disease,” he added.
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