In the News: DEFRA contains avian flu

DEFRA?s first epidemiological report into the recent H5N1 avian flu outbreak in Suffolk indicates the outbreak has been confined to one index case, but fails to “categorically identify the source of the outbreak?.

The report cites ?poor biosecurity? and the location of the free range poultry unit ? just meters away from an ornamental lake which was inhabited by wild birds – as significant findings, and does not rule out wild birds as the source of infection.

Only one of the five dangerous contact (DC) premises, culled by DEFRA as a result of birds being tended by the same stockmen who employed poor biosecurity measures on the first premises, have so far tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

According to the investigation, workers traveled between units without changing overalls, foot wear and, in some cases, without even washing their hands.

Extensive surveillance of both wild and domestic birds in the area continues, however preliminary findings suggest the infection failed to spread beyond the initial infected premises.

(Source)

In the News: Food Safety Unaffected by Bird Flu in UK

Bird flu poses no food safety risks. This assurance was announced by the Food Standards Agency on its website following the recent case of bird flu in the Suffolk/Norfolk areas.

Poultry products such as meat and eggs are safe for consumption as long as they have been properly cooked. The Agency reiterated the importance of thoroughly cooking poultry meat and eggs, since the H5 virus is killed with high heat. The virus is not transmitted by eating food, but through close contact with an infected bird. The Agency also advised that people should follow normal food hygiene guidelines when handling raw poultry meat.

For more updates on the recent case, visit the Department of Environment, Food, and Agriculture (DEFRA) website.

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