Additional Restrictions Imposed Following Confirmation Of Highly Pathogenic H5N1, UK

Following confirmation of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza Defra has announced that further restrictions will be put in place around the infected premises.

In consultation with ornithologists a wider Restricted Zone has been imposed. This is in addition to the 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone introduced earlier today. The Restricted Zone covers east Suffolk and South East Norfolk bounded to the west and the north by the A140 and A47 respectively, and is approximately 2090sqkm. It requires the isolation of poultry from wild birds and movements to be licensed.

As further information becomes available and in consultation with ornithological experts the restrictions in place may be adjusted.

1. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed would be offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line with established protocols. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

2. All avian influenzas (H1 to H16) can be low pathogenic but only H5 and H7 are known to become highly pathogenic.

3. The details on the measures that apply in Protection, Surveillance and Restricted Zones can be found on the Defra website: here.

4. Targeted surveillance for high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza and other avian influenza viruses in wild birds is in place throughout the UK and is ongoing. If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans and you are within a survey area or are unsure whether you are in a surveillance area you may wish to contact the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77) and choose the Avian Influenza option or visit the Defra website: Link here.

For further information, please visit the avian flu pages on the Defra website.

Protection, Surveillance and Restricted Zones around infected premises, Suffolk (PDF)