DEFRA has this afternoon confirmed Avian Influenza on a poultry farm at Knettishall in South Norfolk. This is a retrospective identification of infection at a site which had already been placed under restrictions.

The farm was designated as a ‘dangerous contact’ following investigation of the original outbreak on a farm at Redgrave in North Suffolk. The farm had been placed under restriction since 14th November.

Laboratory test results established that a small number of birds in the turkey flock concerned were positive for the H5N1 strain. All poultry on this farm had already been culled on Saturday 17th November in accordance with joint DEFRA and poultry sector contingency plans.

A 3km radius Protection Zone is being placed around the premises and the existing Surveillance Zone is being extended. Inside these zones bird movements will be restricted and all birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds.

The partnership between government and the poultry sector is continuing to work well, with companies taking responsibility for ensuring biosecurity requirements are met, and DEFRA making decisions on a comprehensive risk assessment basis.

Speaking this afternoon, Peter Bradnock, BPC Chief Executive said: “Tests showed the infection was at a very early stage when the whole flock was culled last Saturday. The poultry sector is continuing to work closely with DEFRA on all its tracing and surveillance work”.

The addition of a second Protection Zone and the extension of the Surveillance Zone is going to mean more poultry farmers having their birds and farm movements restricted. Licensing of movements is progressing, based on cautious assessment of the risk involved, and with priority being focused on dealing with potential welfare issues. BPC is seeking to help the affected companies return to normal operations, as soon as possible, and as soon as the risk allows.

Commenting further, Mr. Bradnock said: “This second infected premise does not affect poultry meat consumption. There is no risk in eating cooked poultry meat, as confirmed by the Food Standards Agency”.

-ENDS-

BPC 19 November 2007