Re: avian influenza outbreak in Oxford****re

Now confirmed as highly pathogenic strain.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080604c.htm

"INFORMATION BULLETIN
Ref: 174/08
Date: 4 June 2008
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Update on Avian Influenza in Oxford****re: H7 strain confirmed as Highly 
Pathogenic
Following further laboratory results, the Chief Veterinary Officer has 
confirmed that the strain of H7 Avian Influenza present in laying hens at 
the farm in Banbury is highly pathogenic.

Further laboratory tests are in progress to identify the N type and
possible 
relation****ps with previously identified viruses. A detailed
epidemiological 
investigation to better understand the origin and development of the
disease 
is also underway.

The 3km inner and 10km outer Tem****ary Control Zone was established on 3 
June with measures appropriate to a highly pathogenic strain. These
measures 
remain in place and existing restrictions continue to apply.

These restrictions include the housing or otherwise isolation from contact

with wild birds in the inner 3km zone. All bird gatherings in the
Tem****ary 
Control Zone are banned. Other movements of birds and some products are
also 
banned in the whole of the Tem****ary Control Zone. Defra is urgently 
considering whether any wider measures may be needed. Please see the Defra

website for detailed information on the restrictions.

The Health Protection Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health 
remains low. The Food Standards Agency has also confirmed that there are
no 
safety implications for the human food chain.

Poultry keepers are urged to be extremely vigilant, practice the highest 
levels of biosecurity and re****t any suspicions of disease to their local 
Animal Health Office immediately.

Notes to editors
1. AI viruses are categorized according to the ability to cause severe 
disease (pathogenicity) in avian species as either highly pathogenic avian

influenza viruses (HPAI) or low pathogenic (LPAI).

2. Further information can be found on the Defra website www.defra.gov.uk

End"