U.K. says avian flu strain in Suffolk and Norfolk highly pathogenic

The chief veterinary officer of the U.K. Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that the strain of Avian Influenza present at the infected premises near Diss is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Further characterization of the virus is in progress, which may give an indication of the origin of the strain. Local authorities and Animal Health are enforcing a 3 km protection zone, a 10 km surveillance zone, and a wider restricted zone covering the whole of Suffolk and most of Norfolk around the infected premises. In these zones, movement restrictions will be imposed and poultry must be isolated from wild birds. In addition, it has been announced that the national general license on bird gatherings has been revoked, and bird shows and pigeon racing will not be permitted for the time being. A full epidemiological investigation and tracings of any dangerous contacts are underway and all possible sources of the outbreak will be investigated.

The Telegraph’s Nick Allen writes that migrating birds from Eastern Europe were the likely carrier of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu to Britain after it was discovered at a farm preparing to supply Christmas turkeys to Waitrose. Some 5,000 turkeys, 1,000 ducks, and 500 geese are being slaughtered at the free range Redgrave Park Farm in Suffolk after H5N1 was identified. Acting chief veterinary officer Fred Landeg said the outbreak appeared to be “closely related” to ones this summer in the Czech Republic and Germany. He said: “It does suggest a possible wild bird source but at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to the origin. That includes movement of people and vehicles on to the farm. There is a lake nearby and there are a number of wildfowl of different species on the lake. As the turkeys, ducks and geese were free range we cannot exclude the possibility of mingling.”

The discovery could not have come at a worst time for the poultry industry as it prepares to sell ten million turkeys during the festive season. The outbreak is the latest body blow to Britain’s farmers in a cruel year that has also seen livestock struck down with foot and mouth and bluetongue.