Avian Influenza present in turkeys

The State Veterinary Service had been investigating a case of suspected avian notifiable disease on a poultry farm near Lowestoft in Suffolk. Preliminary tests have this evening indicated that the avian influenza virus is present in samples from poultry found dead on the premises.

As many as 160,000 birds could be culled after it emerged that avian flu killed 2,600 turkeys at a Bernard Matthews farm in Suffolk. Further tests are underway to ascertain if it is the H5N1 strain.

When the additional laboratory results are known further action will be taken and all available information will be provided.