H7 avian influenza confirmed at UK broiler breeder farm

A low severity case of avian influenza has been confirmed ata broiler breeder farm in Hampshire, U.K., the Department for Environment, Food& Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency stated.

A low severity case of avian influenza has been confirmed at a broiler breeder farm in Hampshire, U.K., the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency (Defra) stated.

Tests have confirmed the outbreak as a low severity H7 strain of the disease, a much less severe form than the H5N8 strain found at a Yorkshire duck farm in November, 2014. There are no links between the two cases.

A 1-kilometer poultry movement restriction zone has been imposed and the birds at the commercial chicken breeding farm are to be culled as part of Defra’s procedures for responding swiftly and thoroughly when an outbreak occurs.

Chief veterinarian Nigel Gibbens said: “We have taken immediate action to contain this outbreak as part of our robust procedures for dealing swiftly with avian flu. This is a low severity form of the virus and we are taking action to ensure that the disease does not spread or develop into a more severe form. We are investigating the possible sources of the outbreak.

“I would urge poultry keepers in the surrounding area to be vigilant for any signs of disease and to ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.”

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