H5N1 Avian Flu kills 2,600 turkeys in Suffolk

[BoyBach]

Tests show bird flu is H5N1 virus

Tests have confirmed that the avian flu which killed 2,600 turkeys at a Suffolk farm is the H5N1 virus.
That virus can be fatal if it is passed on to humans and further tests will determine if it is the same strain as found in Asia.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the European Commission carried out the tests.

Defra have said that the 159,000 other turkeys on the farm will also have to be slaughtered.

According to an EC statement, a three-kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone will now be set up at Holton, which is approximately 17 miles south-west of Lowestoft.

The statement also said: "Further tests to characterise the virus are underway in order to ascertain whether or not it is the Asian strain.

"Strict movement controls are in place, poultry must be kept indoors, there is a prohibition on gatherings of poultry and other birds and on-farm biosecurity measures will be strengthened."

Vets were called to the Bernard Matthews farm in Holton on Thursday night.

A Defra spokeswoman has said the risk of the disease spreading to humans was low and there was no need for panic.

In addition Defra has revoked the national general licence on bird gatherings and bird shows and pigeon racing will not be permitted.

- Full Story (BBC)


How long before the media starts an "It's the end of the world" story, again.

 

[miniConvert]

How long before the media starts an "It's the end of the world" story, again.

Oo, not long I hope, I do love a bit of hype.

Sucks for the turkeys

 

[poopyhead]

Oo, not long I hope, I do love a bit of hype.

Sucks for the turkeys

sucks for the farmer
wonder if insurence covers bird flu?

 

[Queso]

sucks for the farmer
wonder if insurence covers bird flu?

The farm is owned by one of the biggest poultry companies in the UK (Bernard Matthews). If their insurance doesn't cover it, the UK Government's Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs will likely foot some of the bill as it did with the foot and mouth epidemic some years back.

 

[BoyBach]

A vet who attended the Suffolk bird flu outbreak is in hospital suffering from a mild respiratory illness, the Health Protection Agency has said.

The vet, who has not been named, was undergoing tests at a Nottingham hospital - but the HPA said it did not expect results until Wednesday morning.

The treatment was a "precautionary measure" and bird flu was just one of the tests to be run, the HPA said.

...

But the agency said it was "highly unlikely" the vet would have been contaminated because everyone involved would have taken antiviral drugs and worn "full protective clothing".

The HPA's Dr John Watson said: "Avian flu is just one of the tests our laboratory will be carrying out to establish the cause of this respiratory infection.

"It should be remembered that chest infections and fevers are common at this time of year when ordinary seasonal flu circulates."

The Strategic Health Authority in East Anglia said it was monitoring the situation of the person in hospital, adding: "There is no need to panic."

Bird flu vet treated in hospital - BBC


"Don't panic!?!"

Wait until tomorrows press declares 'The End of the World.'