Bird Flu Outbreak Near Banbury Update
| Published: 12th July 2008 09:49 |
Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens has today confirmed that the strain of Avian Influenza found on the premises near Banbury in Oxfordshire is highly pathogenic H7N7. Preliminary analysis also indicates that this H7N7 strain is likely to be related to viruses which have occasionally been detected in domestic poultry and wild birds elsewhere in Europe. Further laboratory tests are in progress.
The full epidemiological investigation and tracings of any dangerous contacts are underway and all possible sources of the outbreak will be investigated.
The Health Protection Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health remains low. Following confirmation of the virus subtype as H7N7, the Agency has reviewed current procedures based on the best evidence available. They remain confident that all necessary steps are being taken to protect those people who may have been exposed to the virus on the premises or involved in disease control activities.
Protection and Surveillance Zones have replaced the Temporary Control Zone established on 3 June around the premises in Oxfordshire. The restrictions that applied in the Temporary Control Zone remain in place. Further information on the animal health aspects of avian influenza and current restrictions is available on the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk. Farmers are urged to be vigilant and report signs of disease to a private vet or local Animal Health.
Information on public health aspects is available at http://www.hpa.org.uk
Latest News
Avian influenza epidemiology report published
Defra has today published an epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.
The report concludes that, at the time of writing (11 June), the outbreak is confined to a single premises, and there is no evidence of infection in the Protection Zone or of spread to any other premises. However, investigations continue.
The report suggests that it is possible that the Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian influenza derived from a Low Pathogenic strain already present on the farm, analysis and investigations are ongoing, and a number of source hypotheses are being considered.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said
"The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of Avian Influenza, and the report highlights the need for flock owners and poultry vets to remain vigilant for signs of disease, including the possibility of low pathogenic Avian Influenza. I would encourage all keepers to maintain good quality records and practise high standards of biosecurity."
The Protection and Surveillance Zones remain in place. Further surveillance, testing and epidemiological work on this outbreak are ongoing.
Latest News - 12th July 2008
Avian Influenza - final epidemiology report published
Information Bulletin
Defra has today published a final epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.
The report concludes that at the time of writing (2 July) infection was confined to a single premise, and there is no evidence of infection on any contact or geographically close premises, or evidence of spread of infection to any other premises to date
While it has not been possible to conclusively identify the source of the infection, the two most likely sources of the outbreak are thought to be:
- Unidentified Avian Influenza in domestic premises in Great Britain, associated either by proximity or potential contact, or
- Avian Influenza in wildlife in contact with the IP Investigations are now complete.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Alick Simmons, said
"This incident has demonstrated again the potential or avian influenza to be introduced into domestic poultry in the UK. The risk of further incidents, while low, remains. I urge poultry keepers to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and to report suspicion of disease promptly including where records indicate increased mortality or reduced performance."
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