Government has failed to invest in bird flu research

Commenting on the outbreak of bird flu at two Bernard Matthews farms, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, Tim Farron said:

"Swift action must be taken to isolate the outbreak, but it is important that we do not over-react. The British poultry industry is the best in the world.

"Recent inquiries into previous bird flu outbreaks showed the need for investment in research. The Government failed to follow this recommendation and has reduced our ability to deal with this and future outbreaks."