Post by Len on Feb 7, 2007 15:16:23 GMT -5
Got this from another forum...
THE strain of bird flu capable of killing humans has been identified at a Suffolk poultry farm run by Bernard Matthews.
The H5N1 strain of avian flu, which can be fatal if passed onto humans, was confirmed as the killer of more than 2,600 turkeys at the farm in Holton, Suffolk this afternoon.
A 3KM protection zone has been set up around the farm, according to an EC statement, while the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has revealed the other 159,000 turkeys on the farm could now be slaughtered.
Tests are still being conducted by scientists to confirm if the H5N1 strain identified in the birds is the same as the one found in Asia.
Bird shows and pigeon races have been banned by DEFRA, and licences for bird gatherings have been revoked.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said that while there was a risk of the disease being spread to people, it was small.
"There is no reason for public health concern," he said.
"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."
Local NHS services are working with DEFRA and the Health Protection Agency to ensure anyone on the farm who may have been exposed to the virus is being treated.
Along with the protection zone, a further surveillance zone extending 10km around the farm has been set up, where movement restrictions have been put in place, while risk assessment is underway.
Around the world the H5N1 virus has killed more than 150 people since being first detected in humans in May 1997.
THE strain of bird flu capable of killing humans has been identified at a Suffolk poultry farm run by Bernard Matthews.
The H5N1 strain of avian flu, which can be fatal if passed onto humans, was confirmed as the killer of more than 2,600 turkeys at the farm in Holton, Suffolk this afternoon.
A 3KM protection zone has been set up around the farm, according to an EC statement, while the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has revealed the other 159,000 turkeys on the farm could now be slaughtered.
Tests are still being conducted by scientists to confirm if the H5N1 strain identified in the birds is the same as the one found in Asia.
Bird shows and pigeon races have been banned by DEFRA, and licences for bird gatherings have been revoked.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said that while there was a risk of the disease being spread to people, it was small.
"There is no reason for public health concern," he said.
"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."
Local NHS services are working with DEFRA and the Health Protection Agency to ensure anyone on the farm who may have been exposed to the virus is being treated.
Along with the protection zone, a further surveillance zone extending 10km around the farm has been set up, where movement restrictions have been put in place, while risk assessment is underway.
Around the world the H5N1 virus has killed more than 150 people since being first detected in humans in May 1997.
