Defra has this afternoon confirmed the Avian Influenza found on a poultry premises near Diss in North Suffolk is the high pathogenic H5N1 strain.Tests are continuing, to try and characterise the strain of the virus. The investigation as to the source of the infection, and the tracing of movements to and from the farm, are ongoing.

Culling of the birds on the farm began at 1pm today.

A 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone have been formalised, with a further Restriction Zone put in place covering Suffolk and most of Norfolk. Inside these zones bird movements will be restricted and all birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds.

The Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Fred Landeg, has given the order for all free-range flocks in the Restriction Zone to be brought indoors and isolated from contact with wild birds. He said, "The initial sequence data suggests that it's closely related to outbreaks in the Czech Republic and Germany, which does suggest a possible wild bird source. However, at this stage we are looking with an open mind as to the origin and all potential sources of the origin will be investigated."

The issue of licences for the movement of live birds in and out of zones has been held over for at least the remainder of today. Defra are taking a precautionary approach in their investigation, but an extended delay will impact on a number of companies that have birds in the Restriction Zone, and who are concerned for the welfare of their birds. We are continuing to work with Defra to resolve the situation and maintain business continuity.

Peter Bradnock, BPC Chief Executive said: “Defra and the company involved have reacted quickly to the outbreak, and we hope that the swift containment action has been successful. However, we must now look towards allowing companies caught in the restriction zone to resume their normal business, without compromising the inquiry and the high level of biosecurity that is in place ”.

Commenting further, Mr. Bradnock said: “Wide and ongoing surveillance of wild birds in the UK remains key. There is no risk in eating cooked poultry meat, as confirmed by the Food Standards Agency”.

-ENDS-

BPC 13 November 2007