County urges bird flu 'vigilance'

Trading standards officers in Surrey are urging bird keepers to remain vigilant following the outbreak of bird flu among chickens in Oxfordshire.

Spokesman Steve Ruddy said the county council had contingency plans in place in case the disease was found locally.

The strain identified on a farm near Banbury is H7, rather than highly virulent H5N1 strain, regarded as a potential threat to human health.

But Mr Ruddy said any suspicions should be immediately reported to the council.

'Target advice'

"We don't want anyone to panic - the Food Standards Agency advice is that there are no safety implications for the food chain," he said.

"What we need are up-to-date records so as to provide the best possible service in the event of Avian Influenza being discovered.

"This will enable us to target our information and advice, together with assisting in the prompt control and eradication if necessary."