Devon County Council

AVIAN INFLUENZA - UPDATE 10.01.08

The following update contains information provided by DEFRA, LACORS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) and Devon County Council.

Update on national situation

Avian Influenza H5N1 confirmed in wild birds in Dorset

Defra has today confirmed Avian Influenza in three dead wild mute swans in the Chesil Beach area in Dorset, following positive test results from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1. These birds were found and tested following a routine surveillance programme. Preliminary tests indicate that the virus is similar to the strain found in the Czech Republic in autumn 2007.

Dorset County Council is working closely with Animal Health and other local partners to control the disease. A Wild Bird Control Area and Monitoring Area are being established around the premises, encompassing Chesil Beach and Portland Bill, and the shape of these is based on expert ornithological advice.

Inside these areas bird keepers are required to house their birds or otherwise isolate them from contact with wild birds, bird movements will be restricted, and bird gatherings are banned. Defra is also working closely with ornithological and other experts to consider what wider measures may be needed.

No disease has been found in domestic birds, and a programme of surveillance is being carried out in the local wild bird population. There will be no culling of wild birds because such action may disperse birds further and would not aid control.

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. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said: “While this is obviously unwelcome news, we have always said that Britain is at a constant low level of risk of introduction of Avian Influenza. Our message to all bird keepers, particularly those in the area, is that they must be vigilant, report any signs of disease immediately, and practice the highest levels of biosecurity.”

A full epidemiological investigation is underway.

All poultry keepers on the GB Poultry Register are being notified, and the EU Commission has been informed.

The latest information, including press releases, declarations and maps is available on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm

Update on Devon situation

There are no identified cases of Avian Influenza in Devon. Key messages are vigilance, check flocks for disease and maintaining excellent biosecurity.
Devon County Council’s Trading Standards Service Farming Standards Team is currently operating normal office hours of 9am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am – 4:30pm on Friday, to provide advice and assistance to poultry keepers. The Centre can be contacted on 08451 551999. Animal Health Officers are on standby in case the disease or the control zones spread into Devon.'

General information
The Defra helpline is currently open from 8am to 8pm. The helpline number is 08459 33 55 77.