Infected area zone declared after bird disease outbreak
UK - An infected area designation, incorporating most of Mole Valley, has been imposed around a farm where more than 2,500 birds have been infected with a highly-contagious disease.Last Friday, the Government's chief veterinary officer, Debbie Reynolds, confirmed an outbreak of Newcastle Disease on a pheasant premises just outside the district's borders.
However, the Health Protection Agency has confirmed that the disease does not pose a significant risk to human health. But the virus can cause conjunctivitis.
The infected area, which covers 10km and includes Great Bookham, Effingham, Dorking, parts of Leatherhead, Westcott, Gomshall and Shere, has been imposed around the farm to control the movement of poultry and vehicles to reduce the possible spread of the disease.
Within this area, a protection zone covering 3km has been imposed, where occupiers of premises containing poultry must follow certain rules.
Source: Surry Online
21 July 2005
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