Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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First Suffolk Avian Influenza epidemiology report published
Defra has today published the initial epidemiology report into the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Suffolk.
The report concludes that, at the time of writing, the outbreak is confined to the index case which is also the first case and a secondary case as a result of transmission by vehicles, people or other things on the sites.
It has not been possible, at this stage, to categorically identify the source of the outbreak. This initial report states that no evidence has so far been found to indicate introduction via infected poultry or poultry products or vehicles/people transporting them, from countries which have undisclosed infection in their domestic turkey, geese and duck population.
Wild birds cannot be ruled out as a source of infection. The report states that, to date, there is no evidence of H5N1 infection in the local wild bird population or in GB as a whole, but the continued surveillance may help clarify the infection status of the wild bird population.
Further surveillance, testing and epidemiological work on this outbreak is ongoing.
Notes to Editors
1. The report can be viewed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu
2. Advice and information on H5N1 avian influence is available via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates, on 0844 884 4600.
3. 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. As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed would be offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line with established protocols. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
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