H1N1 found in UK turkeys
A routine disease investigation has ruled out avian notifiable disease but detected H1N1 influenza in turkeys on a farm in Cheshire, DEFRA is reporting.
This finding has resulted from a routine notifiable avian disease investigation relating to a small number of turkeys showing mild signs of disease. During the investigation there was clinical improvement in these birds.
The strain is closely similar to the human pandemic H1N1 strain currently circulating.
Results of laboratory tests show that statutory notifiable avian disease – where the government would need to take animal health action – can be ruled out. Restrictions have since been lifted on the farm.
Pandemic H1N1, in common with avian influenza, has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked poultry meat, products and eggs, therefore there is no food safety risk.
Bird keepers have been adivsed to continue to maintain appropriate biosecurity measures and be vigilant for signs of notifiable avian disease and report any suspicion promptly to the Animal Health agency.
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