17 April 2013 | By Ben Briggs
BIRD flu has been discovered at a Bernard Matthews farm in Suffolk, Defra has confirmed.
Initial tests on the poultry have ruled out the H5 or H7 strains of the disease, which have the potential to be highly pathogenic and spread quickly.
Defra said as a precaution the premises will remain under restriction pending further routine veterinary investigations.
It added: “Poultry keepers should remain vigilant by looking for any signs of disease in their birds. Any concerns should be reported immediately to their local vet or the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.”
This is the thrid time bird flu has been discovered on a Bernard Matthews farm. In statement, the compnay said: “Bernard Matthews can confirm that some of the birds at one of the business’ farms showed signs of ill health over the weekend.
“The company felt it was appropriate to report this to DEFRA. They have detected the presence of an avian influenza virus, but not the virulent H5 or H7 form.
Some restrictions are in place as a precaution, but are expected to be lifted in the next few days.”
Some restrictions are in place as a precaution, but are expected to be lifted in the next few days.”
The BBC is reporting that the farm in question is based at Ubbeston, near Halesworth.
Bird flu was previosuly at farms run by the turkey giant in 2009 and2007. http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/bird-flu-found-on-farm-in-east-anglia/54972.article
