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Avian Influenza Outbreak |
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Written by Site Admin
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 Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens yesterday
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.
Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service is
leading the Warwickshire response to this incident and is following the
contingency plan for avian influenza.
Links have been established with Oxfordshire Trading Standards and
measures are being put in place with regard for the potential need for road
signage etc.
We also remain in regular
contact with Health Protection Agency, DEFRA, Emergency Planning, Warwickshire
Police and other Warwickshire County Council Services.
Warwickshire Trading Standards will shortly issue written
information to Warwickshire farmers. This will include advice and information on
bio-security, movement restrictions on birds and details of our helpline number
(01926 736470). We have also advised Warwickshire County Council's Customer
Service Centre and Consumer Direct West Midlands of the number.
The Department for Environment Farming &
Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has now replaced the Temporary Control Zone. The 3km inner
zone is now a Protection Zone and the 10km outer zone around the infected
premise is a Surveillance Zone.
All
poultry keepers on the GB Poultry Register are being notified of the outbreak
and the EU Commission has been informed.
Culling of poultry on the infected premises commenced on the 5th and
disposal of the dead birds will be at a rendering plant (De Mulder & Sons)
near Nuneaton.
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