British poultry exports halted
UK - British poultry exports have been suspended outside the European Union after a highly-infectious disease was found in a flock of pheasants.A flock of 9,000 birds is being culled at a farm in Surrey following the discovery, Sky News reports.
Restrictions have now been placed on the farm, near Reigate and a ten kilometre surveillance zone has been established in the surrounding area to prevent the further spread of the Newcastle disease.
The disease affects chickens, turkeys and ducks and can cause their sudden death in its most extreme form.
Drops in egg production and breathing difficulties are also among the symptoms found in birds afflicted by the disease.
The Health Protection Agency insisted that Newcastle disease does not pose a significant threat to human health and made clear it is not a form of bird flu.
Source: DeHavilland
16 July 2005
1 minute read
