DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release
ref:444/07) issued by The Government News Network on 29 November 2007
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.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
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