Avian Influenza In Poultry On Premises In East Of England

The Health Protection Agency continues to work closely with local and national veterinary colleagues following the announcement yesterday by the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that avian influenza had been found in poultry on two premises in the East of England.


Defra has today confirmed that the avian influenza virus present there is H6N1. The H6 virus type has been isolated in domestic poultry and wild birds in Europe over the last few years.


The finding has not affected the HPA's precautionary advice in this incident. We have advised that staff should use high levels of personal protective equipment to protect them from infection.
The Agency is monitoring the health of those exposed to the poultry and there continues to be no reports of any flu-like illness in this group, who have also been offered seasonal influenza vaccine, as a further precaution. GPs in Norfolk and Suffolk are also being made aware of the investigation, for information.


Avian influenza, or 'bird flu', is a contagious disease of birds caused by viruses that normally only infects wild birds and, rarely, other species including domestic poultry. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.


Dr Joe Kearney, Regional Director of the HPA in the East of England said: "The current level of risk to humans from avian flu is extremely low, and today's news from Defra does not change that. To date there has been no evidence that current avian influenza viruses have adapted to spread easily in humans."



Notes


There have been no cases linked to the consumption of properly cooked meat and eggs; for further guidance go to: food.uk


Further information on avian influenza can be found at the HPA website.


Further information on avian flu in poultry is available on the DEFRA website: defra.uk.

Health Protection Agency