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Bird flu outbreak may prompt cull Bird flu outbreak may prompt cull
(about 3 hours later)
As many as 160,000 birds could be culled following the discovery of avian flu in 2,600 turkeys at a Suffolk farm.As many as 160,000 birds could be culled following the discovery of avian flu in 2,600 turkeys at a Suffolk farm.
The birds from the Bernard Matthews farm in Holton have tested positive for H5. Further tests are under way to find out if it is the deadly H5N1 strain.The birds from the Bernard Matthews farm in Holton have tested positive for H5. Further tests are under way to find out if it is the deadly H5N1 strain.
Vets were called to the farm late on Thursday night, said the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.Vets were called to the farm late on Thursday night, said the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
A spokeswoman said the risk of the disease spreading to humans was low and there was no need for panic.A spokeswoman said the risk of the disease spreading to humans was low and there was no need for panic.
She added: "Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.She added: "Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.
"At this stage there is no definite confirmation that this is a virus that has human health implications.""At this stage there is no definite confirmation that this is a virus that has human health implications."
'Significant mortality' AVIAN FLU FACTS There are 15 types of bird, or avian, flu.The most contagious strains, which are usually fatal in birds, are H5 and H7.There are nine different types of the H5 strain.The nine types take different forms - some are pathogenic, others are harmless.
Defra said there were 160,000 other turkeys on the farm. If H5N1 is confirmed they would be slaughtered. A three kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone would also be set up.Defra said there were 160,000 other turkeys on the farm. If H5N1 is confirmed they would be slaughtered. A three kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone would also be set up.
The farm has so far been placed under tight restrictions and samples from the dead birds are being examined at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge, Surrey.The farm has so far been placed under tight restrictions and samples from the dead birds are being examined at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge, Surrey.
Defra said the alarm was raised by the farmer after he noticed "significant mortality" among his flock.Defra said the alarm was raised by the farmer after he noticed "significant mortality" among his flock.
The first deaths happened on Tuesday 30 January when 71 chicks died, said Defra.The first deaths happened on Tuesday 30 January when 71 chicks died, said Defra.
A further 186 died the following day and 860 died on 1 February. Some 1,500 died on Thursday, making a total of 2,617.A further 186 died the following day and 860 died on 1 February. Some 1,500 died on Thursday, making a total of 2,617.
Chickens culledChickens culled
There are 15 types of bird, or avian, flu. The most contagious strains, which are usually fatal in birds, are H5 and H7.There are 15 types of bird, or avian, flu. The most contagious strains, which are usually fatal in birds, are H5 and H7.
There are nine different types of H5. The nine all take different forms - some are highly pathogenic, while some are fairly harmless.There are nine different types of H5. The nine all take different forms - some are highly pathogenic, while some are fairly harmless.
The type currently causing concern is the deadly strain H5N1, which can prove fatal to humans.The type currently causing concern is the deadly strain H5N1, which can prove fatal to humans.
In May last year, more than 50,000 chickens were culled after an outbreak of the H7 bird flu in farms in the neighbouring county of Norfolk. One member of staff at the farm contracted the disease and was treated for an eye infection.In May last year, more than 50,000 chickens were culled after an outbreak of the H7 bird flu in farms in the neighbouring county of Norfolk. One member of staff at the farm contracted the disease and was treated for an eye infection.
In March 2006, a wild swan found dead in Cellardyke, Fife, was found to have the H5N1 strain of the virus, which has been responsible for the deaths of more than 100 people, mostly in Asia.In March 2006, a wild swan found dead in Cellardyke, Fife, was found to have the H5N1 strain of the virus, which has been responsible for the deaths of more than 100 people, mostly in Asia.