Avian flu found on Suffolk farm
Avian influenza has been detected in birds at a Bernard Matthews farm in Suffolk, it has been confirmed.
During last weekend, the business reported to Defra that some of the birds were displaying signs of ill health.
The presence of an avian influenza virus has been confirmed but initial tests for the H5 and H7 strains of the virus were negative. The outbreak, according to Defra, presents a low risk to human health.
Restrictions have been placed on the farm as a precaution, and the results of further tests are expected either tomorrow or early next week.
A spokesperson for Defra said: "The type of avian influenza currently under investigation is believed to pose only a low risk to public health.
"Initial tests on the poultry at the premises in the South East have ruled out H5 or H7 strains of the disease, which have the potential to be highly pathogenic and spread quickly.
"The premises remains under restriction pending further results and poultry keepers should remain vigilant by looking for signs of disease in their birds. Any concerns should be reported immediately to their local vet or the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
