H5N1 confirmed at second UK premises
According to Defra, laboratory tests have confirmed H5N1 Avian Influenza in turkeys at one of the ‘dangerous contact’ premises.
These premises were confirmed as a ‘dangerous contact’ and placed under restriction on 14 November and culling was completed on 17 November. On clinical inspection, the flock appeared healthy, indicating that the infection was in its early stages.
This now becomes the second infected premises. A 3km protection zone is being placed around the premises on the Norfolk-Suffolk border and the existing surveillance zone is being extended.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said that the laboratory test results highlight the importance of poultry keepers in the area being extremely vigilant, adding “It is essential they practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health office.”
The national ban on bird gatherings remains firmly in place and movement restrictions apply in the protection, surveillance and restricted zones.
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Recent news items on AI in the UK:
End of culling at UK bird flu-affected farms (19 Nov, ’07)
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Deadly H5N1 confirmed at UK poultry farm (14 Nov, ’07)
Bird flu outbreak in UK, tests underway (13 Nov, ’07)
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