November 30, 2007

UK bird flu contained; wild birds not ruled out as source
 

The recent H5N1 bird flu outbreak in eastern England has been contained, the UK Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs said on Thursday (November 29, 2007).

Two cases of the H5N1 strain of bird flu were discovered in Suffolk in mid-November.

Defra said the second case as a result of transmission such as by vehicles, people on the sites. But so far it remains a mystery as the possible initial source of the outbreak.

"Wild birds cannot be ruled out as a source of infection," Defra said.

However the report added that so far that no evidence of H5N1 infection has been found in the local wild bird population or in all of Great Britain.

Defra said there has been no evidence to indicate introduction via infected poultry, poultry products or vehicles/people transporting them outside areas.

"This outbreak was swiftly and efficiently contained thanks to the work of Defra, 'Animal Health' and the poultry farming industry," said poultry board chairman for the National Farmers Union, Charles Bourns.

"This infection clearly demonstrates the importance of contingency planning and cooperation between the government and industry," Bourns added.