DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (363/07) issued by
The Government News Network on 11 October 2007
In line with our
commitment to learn lessons from all disease outbreaks, Defra has
today published a lessons learned report following the outbreak of
H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Suffolk in February this year.
The report concludes that the response to the outbreak was
effective and highlights the benefits of the contingency planning
work over the last six years. Disease was contained to one
premises and controlled both quickly and successfully. This view
was reflected by stakeholders and operational partners
demonstrating their increased confidence in the Government's
contingency planning and ability to respond to a disease outbreak.
The report also makes 34 detailed operational recommendations on
the management of an outbreak of avian influenza, or other exotic
animal disease. These recommendations have all been accepted and
have already been adopted in our response to the current Foot and
Mouth Disease and Bluetongue outbreaks.
Commenting on the report, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer,
Fred Landeg, said:
"I welcome the publication of this report and congratulate
all those involved for their hard work in containing the outbreak
so quickly and effectively. Even when things have gone well, it
is very important to learn the lessons and improve the way we
prepare for the future. This is especially relevant as we are in
the midst of dealing with two outbreaks of animal disease at the
moment. This is a shared responsibility, and I urge the farming
industry to work to develop their own contingency plans to prepare
for possible future outbreaks too.
"Cases of avian influenza, H5N1, over the last few months in
the Czech Republic, Germany and France demonstrate the threat to
UK is continuing and real. We will be at increased risk during
the autumn migration period. Therefore, it is as important as
ever that we are properly prepared, and I would urge all bird
keepers to retain high levels of vigilance and biosecurity."
Key themes & recommendations include:
* Working ever more closely with delivery partners and the
livestock industry to plan and deliver disease control activities.
* Animal Health working with industry to ensure that plans are in
place at every large commercial poultry premises.
* Animal by-product arrangements to be reviewed and strengthened
for premises similar to the Holton site.
* Communications need to be fast and effective, focused on key
audiences (e.g. through timely use of the GB Poultry Register).
Full details of the report can be found at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/holton.htm
As part of the lessons learned process, Defra and the Food
Standards Agency also jointly commissioned an independent review
of the role and responsibilities of the Meat Hygiene Service in
animal disease outbreaks. This is also being published today and
can be found at [insert link]. This review concluded that the
arrangements had worked well, but that there were lessons to be
learned around clarifying roles and responsibilities for
designation of slaughterhouses and enforcement activities.
Notes to Editors
1. 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.
2. Latest information on bird flu and link to latest information
can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm
3. Targeted surveillance for high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza
and other avian influenza viruses in wild birds is in place
throughout the UK and is ongoing. If you find dead wild gulls,
waders, ducks, geese or swans and you are within a survey area or
are unsure whether you are in a surveillance area you may wish to
contact the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77) and choose the Avian
Influenza option or visit the Defra website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/wildbirds/surveymap.htm
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
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