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Hungary import 'link' to bird flu Hungary import 'link' to bird flu
(about 1 hour later)
The bird flu outbreak at a Bernard Matthews' farm in Suffolk may be linked to imports from the firm's plant in Hungary, the government has said.The bird flu outbreak at a Bernard Matthews' farm in Suffolk may be linked to imports from the firm's plant in Hungary, the government has said.
The pathogenic H5N1 strain was found on a Hungarian geese farm in January.The pathogenic H5N1 strain was found on a Hungarian geese farm in January.
Deputy Chief Vet Fred Landeg said a possible route of infection was from imported "poultry product".Deputy Chief Vet Fred Landeg said a possible route of infection was from imported "poultry product".
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said preliminary scientific tests showed the two viruses "may well be identical".The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said preliminary scientific tests showed the two viruses "may well be identical".
"Defra, the Food Standards Agency and the Health Protection Agency are investigating the possibility of a link between the Hungarian outbreaks, poultry meat from Hungary and the introduction of disease in the farm in Suffolk," it added."Defra, the Food Standards Agency and the Health Protection Agency are investigating the possibility of a link between the Hungarian outbreaks, poultry meat from Hungary and the introduction of disease in the farm in Suffolk," it added.
The risk to human health remains negligible and properly cooked poultry is safe to eat, it said.The risk to human health remains negligible and properly cooked poultry is safe to eat, it said.
Imports suspendedImports suspended
Tens of thousands of turkeys have been culled at the Bernard Matthews farm at Holton, about 27km south-west of Lowestoft as a precaution.Tens of thousands of turkeys have been culled at the Bernard Matthews farm at Holton, about 27km south-west of Lowestoft as a precaution.
The company also has a division in Sarvar, Hungary. The company also has a processing facility division in Sarvar, Hungary.
Defra said Bernard Matthews was temporarily suspending the movement of poultry products between the two outlets until the investigation is complete.Defra said Bernard Matthews was temporarily suspending the movement of poultry products between the two outlets until the investigation is complete.
It said partly-processed turkey was being transported by lorry from Hungary to the Suffolk farm each week.
Defra said poultry is continuing to be imported into Britain from Hungary as long as it is not from restricted areas.
In a statement, Bernard Matthews said it continues to work closely with Defra in its investigation.In a statement, Bernard Matthews said it continues to work closely with Defra in its investigation.
"We are cooperating fully and as a precautionary measure we have volunteered to cease any movements to and from Hungary," it said.
"We want to reassure consumers that Bernard Matthews products are perfectly safe to eat.""We want to reassure consumers that Bernard Matthews products are perfectly safe to eat."
It said the Hungarian government, as well as its own inquiries, had established no link with movements between the two sites.