Tests from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) have confirmed that the sample from the poultry found dead on a farm near Lowestoft in Suffolk did contain the H5N1 avian flu virus. Further tests are underway to determine whether the strain of the virus is similar to that found in Asia. Results are expected later today.
The State Veterinary Service are enforcing a Protection Zone of three kilometres radius and a Surveillance Zone of 10 kilometres around the premises where movement restrictions will be imposed and poultry must be isolated from wild birds. The farm itself has been under restrictions since Thursday evening. In addition the national general licence on bird gatherings has been revoked, and bird shows and pigeon racing will no longer be permitted.
An urgent veterinary risk assessment is being carried out in consultation with ornithological experts to consider the specific circumstances of this case and determine the level of risk, if any, it may pose to poultry and other kept birds. On the basis of this risk assessment further wider restrictions will be imposed in the area.
Fred Landeg, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer said:
" I urge keepers of birds to be vigilant, to take care if handling birds which appear to be unwell and to observe high levels of biosecurity. Owners that suspect disease, should act quickly consult their vet. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and must be reported to the local Divisional Veterinary Manager in the State Veterinary Service"
There is no reason for public health concern. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty, to humans this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.
The Health Protection Agency has advised that, despite this incident, the current level of risk to humans from H5N1 remains extremely low.
"Any possibility of exposure is taken very seriously and the Health Protection Agency has worked closely with Defra and local NHS to ensure that all the necessary actions are being taken to protect those people on the farm who may have been exposed to the virus." The European Commission has been informed of this development.
