Avian influenza outbreak - update

Following meetings this afternoon on the outbreak of avian influenza in a Suffolk poultry farm, 9 days ago, Secretary of State, David Miliband said;

"On Saturday 3rd February the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed on a poultry farm in Lowestoft. A 3 km Protection Zone and 10 km Surveillance Zone were imposed along with a wider Restricted Zone. The humane slaughter of the 159,000 birds on site began the same day, under the supervision of the State Veterinary Service (SVS) and was completed on the evening of Monday 5th February.

"I have today held meetings with my veterinary officials, representatives of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA). I have also met the Hungarian Ambassador and spoken with my Hungarian counterpart, Minister Graf.

"I received reports on three issues.

"First, containment and eradication of the disease. The SVS has been carrying out extensive surveillance in the restricted areas working closely with local authorities in Suffolk and Norfolk and other agencies. Any samples taken are being tested and no further cases of bird flu beyond those on the Infected Premises have been found. Following cleansing and disinfection on the Holton site the Meat Hygiene Service has re-licensed the slaughter house following the SVS inspection and clearance for reopening.

"Secondly, our investigation of the cause of the outbreak continues.

Nothing I have been told changes the working hypothesis about the most likely route of transmission following the genetic sequencing results reported last Thursday, but all options remain under consideration. I expect a further report by the end of the week. Discussions are continuing with Bernard Matthews about biosecurity on their site.

"Our co-operation with the Hungarian Government remains intensive and constructive. Our vets are in regular touch and we are working together to identify the origin of this outbreak."

Finally, on the public health aspects of the investigation Dame Deirdre Hutton commented:

"The investigation so far has not found anything that raises the risk to public health. It is still a possibility that infected poultry has entered the food chain but the risk to public health remains low."