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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)
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11 October 2005
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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.
13 September 2007
Fire At Former Birds Eye Factory In Grimsby
A major fire at a former Birds Eye factory in Grimsby has been successfully tackled by firefighters. Around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the disused factory, which broke out shortly after 7pm on Wednesday.
Fire At Former Birds Eye Factory In Grimsby
A major fire at a former Birds Eye factory in Grimsby has been successfully tackled by firefighters. Around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the disused factory, which broke out shortly after 7pm on Wednesday.
02 April 2007
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
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.
19 February 2007
Bernard Matthews staff face lay-offs
Around 130 workers at a Bernard Matthews site are to be temporarily laid off following the recent bird flu outbreak. The Transport and General Workers Union said that the company had confirmed that the workers at the Norfolk site would be stood down on Tuesday for 20 days.
Bernard Matthews staff face lay-offs
Around 130 workers at a Bernard Matthews site are to be temporarily laid off following the recent bird flu outbreak. The Transport and General Workers Union said that the company had confirmed that the workers at the Norfolk site would be stood down on Tuesday for 20 days.
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