LONDON - A second case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in Hill Meadow Farm, Knettishall, according to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The first outbreak of the virus was detected in nearby Redgrave Park Farm on November 11 prompting the cull of all 9,000 turkeys housed in the farm.The second farm where the bird flu case was identified is also operated by Redgrave Poultry. It has emerged that the farms share resources as well as workers. Officials from Defra confirmed that the turkeys at the farm appeared to be healthy and said that they had caught the H5N1 virus at its earliest stage.
"The laboratory test results today highlight the importance of poultry keepers in the area being extremely vigilant," said acting chief veterinary Officer Fred Landeg. "It is essential they practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health office."
Defra also said that the surveillance zone had been extended and that a second three kilometre protection zone was also in place following the latest results. Overall 28,600 birds have been culled after the H5N1 virus was detected in the country.
Avian influenza or bird flu is deadly if the virus involved is H5N1. It can be transmitted to humans who are in close contact with poultry animals infected by the virus.
