Bird Flu Tests - Preliminary Positive on Dead Swan
06/04/06

Reacting to the news this evening (5April) that preliminary tests have found highly pathogenic H5 avian flu in a sample from a dead swan in Fife, NFUS has urged poultry farmers across the country to prepare for a nationwide order to bring poultry inside.

Authorities have stressed there is no reason for any public health concern.

NFUS Deputy Chief Executive James Withers said:

“Obviously this is an extremely concerning development. We will be liaising with the authorities to determine the veterinary advice on the next steps.

“It appears this finding has been in a wild bird, so there is no evidence yet it has reached the farmed population, and experience of cases elsewhere in Europe show there is no guarantee it will do so.

“Any poultry farmers in the immediate area should bring their poultry indoors and those out with the 10km surveillance zone should prepare for a national order to do the same. We’re urging all our members to double check the measures they have in place to prevent, as far as possible, contact between wild birds and farmed poultry

“The poultry industry has been preparing for this day, but it doesn’t make it any less worrying. We will have to wait and see if the preliminary tests are confirmed and indeed if this is the H5N1 strain which could require UK-wide preventative measures. We are working very closely with the Scottish Executive as this unfolds.”

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