Menu
25/08/2005
EU experts to discuss Avian influenza measures
Top of the agenda at a meeting of EU veterinary officials in Brussels today will be the fear that avian flu may spread to Europe, following cases in Russia and the Far East.
Some countries have already moved all poultry indoors in a preventative measure to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, a move adopted by the Dutch, but one which is thought unlikely to find favour with other European countries.
The European Commission are seeking opinions from veterinary experts on the possible vectors for the disease, such as migrating birds.
Health officials are concerned that the outbreak of avian flu among domestic flocks has already spread to humans in the areas affected, killing around 50 people in the Far East and Russia.
British veterinarians have already warned that there must be increased vigilance for the disease among birds, but are unlikely to recommend bringing free-range flocks indoors.
The last outbreak in Europe was in the Netherlands in 2003. The outbreak in the Netherlands led to the destruction of around 30 million birds and cost an estimated €150 million.
Avian influenza is a virulent and highly contagious viral disease which occurs in poultry and other birds.
First identified in Italy in the early 1900s, various strains of the virus are known, and in the highly pathogenic strains there is an almost 100% fatality rate.
Wild birds are often carriers of the low pathogenic strains of the virus without showing any symptoms, and contact of domestic flocks with wild migratory birds has been at the origin of many epidemics in poultry.
The virus can occasionally spread to humans and other animals, usually following direct contact with infected birds.
(SP/KMcA)
Some countries have already moved all poultry indoors in a preventative measure to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, a move adopted by the Dutch, but one which is thought unlikely to find favour with other European countries.
The European Commission are seeking opinions from veterinary experts on the possible vectors for the disease, such as migrating birds.
Health officials are concerned that the outbreak of avian flu among domestic flocks has already spread to humans in the areas affected, killing around 50 people in the Far East and Russia.
British veterinarians have already warned that there must be increased vigilance for the disease among birds, but are unlikely to recommend bringing free-range flocks indoors.
The last outbreak in Europe was in the Netherlands in 2003. The outbreak in the Netherlands led to the destruction of around 30 million birds and cost an estimated €150 million.
Avian influenza is a virulent and highly contagious viral disease which occurs in poultry and other birds.
First identified in Italy in the early 1900s, various strains of the virus are known, and in the highly pathogenic strains there is an almost 100% fatality rate.
Wild birds are often carriers of the low pathogenic strains of the virus without showing any symptoms, and contact of domestic flocks with wild migratory birds has been at the origin of many epidemics in poultry.
The virus can occasionally spread to humans and other animals, usually following direct contact with infected birds.
(SP/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2004
'Bird flu' fears sees EU ban on bird imports
Following public concerns over the outbreak of bird flu in southeast Asia, the European Commission has agreed to suspend all imports of captive and pet birds from nine Asian countries into the EU.
'Bird flu' fears sees EU ban on bird imports
Following public concerns over the outbreak of bird flu in southeast Asia, the European Commission has agreed to suspend all imports of captive and pet birds from nine Asian countries into the EU.
11 October 2005
Bird groups placed on avian flu-alert
The public, bird watchers and environmental groups have been asked to contribute to a survey of wild birds with serious diseases found across the UK. The government said that a survey across the UK is being carried out to allow scientists to get a better picture of avian influenza viruses in wildfowl, in particular migratory wetland species.
Bird groups placed on avian flu-alert
The public, bird watchers and environmental groups have been asked to contribute to a survey of wild birds with serious diseases found across the UK. The government said that a survey across the UK is being carried out to allow scientists to get a better picture of avian influenza viruses in wildfowl, in particular migratory wetland species.
09 December 2005
Poultry to be registered in bid to tackle bird flu
The government has urged poultry owners to start registering their flocks as part of a scheme to help the industry deal with a possible outbreak of avian flu. Poultry owners with flocks of 50 or more birds will have to register them with Defra by February 28 next year.
Poultry to be registered in bid to tackle bird flu
The government has urged poultry owners to start registering their flocks as part of a scheme to help the industry deal with a possible outbreak of avian flu. Poultry owners with flocks of 50 or more birds will have to register them with Defra by February 28 next year.
16 October 2006
Newcastle Disease confirmed on poultry farm
Laboratory results have confirmed Newcastle Disease on a poultry farm in East Lothian. The results from Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge follow investigation of suspect disease at the holding in Fenton Barns, Drem. More than 15,000 birds will be slaughtered in a bid to prevent the spread of the rare disease which only affects poultry.
Newcastle Disease confirmed on poultry farm
Laboratory results have confirmed Newcastle Disease on a poultry farm in East Lothian. The results from Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge follow investigation of suspect disease at the holding in Fenton Barns, Drem. More than 15,000 birds will be slaughtered in a bid to prevent the spread of the rare disease which only affects poultry.
11 January 2008
Restrictions Follow Bird Flu Outbreak
A wild life reserve is working closely with the Government's agricultural department to try to contain an outbreak the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. Health experts are also to inspect a number of poultry farms after three wild swans tested positive for the deadly bird disease.
Restrictions Follow Bird Flu Outbreak
A wild life reserve is working closely with the Government's agricultural department to try to contain an outbreak the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. Health experts are also to inspect a number of poultry farms after three wild swans tested positive for the deadly bird disease.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
