Bird flu
Bird flu (avian influenza) is a disease of birds and whilst it
can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires
extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly
faeces.
In 2007 the UK experienced its first outbreaks of the highly
pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. On 20 November 2008 the
UK became officially free from bird flu, according to the rules
laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
The Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (Defra) advises poultry keepers to regularly review their
biosecurity measures to ensure they meet best practice and remain
vigilant for signs of disease. If you are concerned about the
health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary
surgeon.
If you suspect that your birds have bird flu, you must
immediately
notify the local Animal Health Office (new
window) on 01284 778150 or call the
Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
Bluetongue disease
Bluetongue disease is an insect-borne viral disease which
affects all ruminants, such as cattle, goat, deer and, in
particular, sheep. Bluetongue disease does not affect humans.
In September 2007, Defra confirmed that Bluetongue disease was
circulating in East Anglia and officially classed it as an
outbreak. The disease has since been detected in other parts of the
UK. There are currently 149 confirmed premises affected by
Bluetongue with the most recent cases detected in imported cattle
on a premises near Crewe, Cheshire. Defra is urging all livestock
farmers to vaccinate at the earliest possible opportunity.
A Bluetongue protection zone has been in force since the
first outbreak was discovered and subsequently extended to
allow the roll-out of vaccinations. The protection zone was further
extended on 1 September 2008 to bring in the whole of England
to complete the vaccination roll-out.
Suffolk County Council enforces the Bluetongue restrictions
through its
Trading Standards department (new
window) who can be contacted on 0845
6032814.
If you need further information or advice, please contact the
Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must
immediately
notify the local Animal Health Office (new
window) on 01284 778150 or call the
Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77.
Foot and Mouth disease
Foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease affecting
cloven-hoofed animals, in particular cattle, sheep, pigs, goats,
camelids and deer.
No cases of the disease have been discovered since September
2007. On 31 December 2007 all movement restrictions relating to
foot and mouth susceptible animals and trade within the EU were
lifted.
If you suspect signs of any notifiable disease, you must
immediately
notify the local Animal Health Office (new
window) on 01284 778150 or call the
Defra helpline on 08459 33 55
77.