News
26 MAY 2007
CHELFORD MARKET CONTACTS SOUGHT
Nine people have been tested for Avian influenza following an outbreak
of H7N2 Avian influenza on a smallholding near Corwen in Wales. Seven of
the people are from Wales and two are from north west England.
The Health Protection Agency have found that four of the test results
were positive - two of these were from Wales and two were from north
west England. The remaining five test results came back as negative.
However, because these five cases were associated with the birds and had
a compatible illness, they are being treated as a precaution.
H7N2 is a low pathogenic strain of Avian influenza. It is different to
the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain currently circulating in South East
Asia and in Europe last year. In almost all human cases to date, H7N2
infection has generally been associated with a mild disease and the risk
to the general public is considered to be very low.
As part of the ongoing tracing exercise and epidemiological
investigation into the outbreak in Wales, the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) would like to hear from
anyone, who has not already been contacted by Animal Health (formerly
the State Veterinary Service), who purchased from or supplied Chelford
Market in Cheshire on Monday 7 May 2007, or any poultry keeper who
visited Chelford Market on this date whose birds have subsequently
become ill.
These people should contact their local Animal Health Office (details
can be found at
www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth
or from the Defra helpline
08459 33 55 77 (open between 9am - 5pm 7 days a week).
Chickens and ducks are banned from any poultry gatherings, markets,
shows or fairs in GB until further notice.
All bird keepers throughout the UK should continue their efforts to
maintain high levels of biosecurity and maintain vigilance by continuing
to monitor their birds for signs of disease.
If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek the
advice of your veterinary surgeon and if you suspect that your birds
have Avian influenza you should report it to your Local Animal Health
Office.
Defra says there is absolutely no reason for anyone to abandon their
birds - or any other pet - because of any fears or worries of infection
from Avian influenza. This is an offence under the abandonment of
Animals Act. The welfare of birds is seriously compromised when they are
abandoned and they are at risk from starvation or accident and are more
vulnerable to disease.
NEWS ARCHIVE
24 MAY 07 :
LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WALES
02 MAY 07 :
NEW TURKEY BOOK : 'NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS'
09 MAR 07 :
NEW PRESIDENT
FOR TURKEY CLUB UK
05 FEB 07 :
AVIAN INFLUENZA IN
SUFFOLK
20 DEC 06 :
METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF POULTRY ON-FARM
21 NOV 06 :
NEW
ANIMAL TRANSPORT REGULATIONS IN 2007
21 JUL 06 :
PROTECT TURKEYS IN A HEATWAVE
10 APR 06 :
AVIAN INFLUENZA CONCERN AND THE CARE OF TURKEYS
06 APR 06 :
AVIAN INFLUENZA IN
SCOTLAND
10 FEB 06 :
GREAT BRITAIN
POULTRY REGISTER
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