Bird flu found at Bernard Matthews farms

Published on Thursday 26 February 2009 09:14

POULTRY at two Bernard Matthews farms have tested positive for bird flu, the company said today.

Tests carried out by Government vets confirmed that the virus had been detected in birds at sites in Ubbeston, Suffolk, and Yaxham, Norfolk.

A Bernard Matthews spokesman said the strain detected was not dangerous to humans.

"Bernard Matthews Farms can confirm that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have undertaken tests for avian influenza on two of its small breeder farms, following notification from the company of an unusual drop in egg production levels," the spokesman said.

"The tests have shown a positive result for an avian influenza virus but Defra have confirmed that this is not either of the highly pathogenic types H5 and H7."

The spokesman said "movement restrictions" would remain in place until Defra completed its tests.

He added: "Bernard Matthews has in place clear procedures to identify avian influenza and, under the direction of Defra, the ability to control and eradicate the disease, without posing any risk to public health."

Defra said the disease was detected following tests which began late on Tuesday.

It said restrictions introduced following the discovery would be confined to the affected premises.

"A routine veterinary investigation is ongoing at poultry premises into the possible presence of a notifiable avian disease," said a Defra spokesman.

"Laboratory tests are ongoing and there is no conclusion yet."

Defra said laboratory tests had confirmed the virus was neither H5 nor H7.