11th H5N1 Case Identified in Wild Goose
UK - Defra has today confirmed that a Canada goose collected on 25 February in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area in Dorset as part of wild bird surveillance has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza. The bird was found less than a kilometre from where the previous positive cases in swans were collected.
29 February 2008
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This is the 11th wild bird with highly pathogenic H5N1 in the area. The previous ten cases were in wild mute swans, with the last case being confirmed on 4 February.
The finding of more cases in wild birds is not unexpected, and Defra’s enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing, including active patrols to look for dead wild birds. We are currently considering whether any additional restrictions are necessary in the area.
Poultry keepers in the area are reminded of the need to comply with existing restrictions including the requirement to house or otherwise keep separate their birds from wild birds, and remain vigilant for signs of disease, reporting any suspicions immediately. Our enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.
