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Egg and poultry producers will get the chance to ask avian flu experts questions about disease prevention and the government's contingency plans, during a series of open meetings announced today.

Organised by ADAS on behalf of Defra, representatives from Defra, the Health Protection Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, the State Veterinary Service and a private practice vet will speak during meetings at various locations across England.

Experts in disease prevention and control, health protection, and contingency planning will be on hand to answer questions at the series of free events.

The first will be held on November 24 in Penrith, Cumbria. Further meetings will be held in Yorkshire, Berkshire, Devon and Suffolk. The series will end on December 7 in Staffordshire.

The aim is to provide poultry producers and others in the industry a chance to learn more about the disease, review practical measures to reduce the risk of infection, to identify symptoms and know more about reporting procedures.

Experts will also be able to explain the kind of measures that would be taken if the disease was confirmed at a particular location.

Defra chief vet Debby Reynolds, said: "We meet national poultry industry representatives on a fairly regular basis but this roadshow is part of our wider strategy to communicate at the local level. I hope as many people as possible take advantage of these meetings.

"We have a detailed contingency plan and this will be a good opportunity for producers of whatever size and type to find out more about that plan and what the risks might be if avian flu arrived here."

The meetings are a joint government/industry initiative and have been planned with the collaboration and support of a number of poultry organisations, including the British Free Range Egg Producers' Association, British Egg Industry Council, British Poultry Council and the National Farmers Union.

Meeting dates and locations are as follows:-

Nov 24 - Penrith, Cumbria - Rheged Exhibition Centre, Redhills

Nov 25 - York, N. Yorkshire - Askham Bryan College

Nov 29 - Newbury, Berks - Ramada Jarvis Hotel

Nov 30 - Exeter, Devon - Devon and Exeter Race Course

Dec 6 - Eye, Suffolk - Brome Grange, Eye

Dec 7 - Uttoxeter, Staffs - Uttoxeter Racecourse

It is hoped to run further meetings at different locations in the new year, depending on demand and the level of disease risk at the time.

* There is no charge for the event. Numbers are limited and for catering purposes there is advance booking only. To book, contact Lynne Holmes, of ADAS, by telephone 01522 521290 email: lynne.holmes@adas.co.uk or fax 01522 513694

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