Avian influenza - final epidemiology report published

Tag : avian influenza

back


Friday 11 July 2008 16:00
Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (East)

Avian influenza - final epidemiology report published


Information Bulletin
Defra has today published a final epidemiology report into theAvian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.
The report concludes that at the time of writing (2 July) infectionwas confined to a single premise, and there is no evidence ofinfection on any contact or geographically close premises, orevidence of spread of infection to any other premises to date
While it has not been possible to conclusively identify the sourceof the infection, the two most likely sources of the outbreak arethought to be:
* Unidentified Avian Influenza in domestic premises in GreatBritain, 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 for avianinfluenza to be introduced into domestic poultry in the UK. Therisk of further incidents, while low, remains. I urge poultrykeepers to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and toreport suspicion of disease promptly including where recordsindicate increased mortality or reduced performance."
Notes to editors
1. The report can be viewed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm
2. Advice and information on H7N7 avian influence is available viathe Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also callthe Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates,on 0844 884 4600.
3. The Surveillance Zone and remaining disease control restrictionsput in place following the outbreak of H7N7 avian Influenza inOxfordshire were lifted on 8 July. The Protection Zone was liftedon 29 June. Some restrictions on trade with other countries remain.Further information is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/int-trde/cins/2008/08115.htm
4. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can passvery rarely and with difficulty to humans, this usually requiresextremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed wouldbe offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line withestablished protocols. Advice from the Food Standards Agencyremains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products,including eggs, are safe to eat.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Client ref 222/08
COI ref 163326P