| H5N1 Avian Influenza confirmed in British poultry
Following further test results from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) the UK’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the strain of Avian Influenza present at the infected premises near Diss in Norfolk is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Further characterisation of the virus is in progress, which may give an indication of the origin of the strain. Local authorities and Animal Health are enforcing a 3km Protection Zone, a 10km Surveillance Zone and a wider Restricted Zone covering the whole of Suffolk and most of Norfolk around the infected premises. In these zones, movement restrictions will be imposed and poultry must be isolated from wild birds. In addition, it has been announced that the national general licence on bird gatherings has been revoked, and bird shows and pigeon racing will not be permitted for the time being. A full epidemiological investigation and tracings of any dangerous contacts are underway and all possible sources of the outbreak will be investigated. The details on the measures that apply in the current zones can be found on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm This is the fourth case of avian influenza in the UK this year. Previous outbreaks were: * February 2007 - H5N1 Avian Influenza in poultry, Upper Holton, Suffolk
•Date: 15th Nov 2007• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: BC general
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