Confirmation of type of avian influenza in chickens: Dereham, Norfolk - UK - The results of further tests from the poultry farm in Dereham, Norfolk have confirmed the H7 avian flu virus, Defra announced today (28 April). The tests also indicate that the strain of virus is low pathogenicity.

The virus is confirmed as H7N3 and last occurred in the UK in 1979. It bears no relationship to H5N1.

The results will need further investigations by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) before the Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds can rule out completely high pathogenicity. Results from these further tests will be available in the coming week.

Debby Reynolds the Chief Veterinary Officer said:

“The current working hypothesis is that the infection on the farm occurred due to a breach of biosecurity, the most likely source of the virus being from another premises or from wild birds. We are not yet able to say that the farm near Dereham is the index case, there may be other premises involved.

“Restrictions will remain in place on the farm in question and movements on and off the poultry company’s other premises may only take place under licence from the State Veterinary Service.

“In addition, a 1km low pathogenic avian influenza restricted zone has been put in place around the infected premises. The State Veterinary Service is continuing to trace movements and contacts, the necessary surveillance and all appropriate worker protection measures have been put in place.”

The PoultrySite News Desk