The strain is closely similar to the human pandemic H1N1 strain currently circulating.

The Health Protection Agency has undertaken a thorough public health risk assessment and can confirm there is no risk to public health.

This finding has resulted from a routine notifiable avian disease investigation relating to a small number of turkeys showing mild signs of disease. During the investigation there was clinical improvement in these birds.

Results of laboratory tests show that statutory notifiable avian disease – where the government would need to take animal health action – can be ruled out. Restrictions have been lifted on the farm.

There is no food safety risk. Pandemic H1N1, in common with avian influenza, has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked poultry meat, products and eggs.

Bird keepers should continue to maintain appropriate biosecurity measures and be vigilant for signs of notifiable avian disease and report any suspicion promptly to the Animal Health agency.

Further Reading

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You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.