There have been media reports this week about the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle in the US.
We are monitoring the situation closely but at this time have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating in our cattle, nor is this strain of the virus circulating in Europe. We have had no recent cases of avian influenza in kept birds and the risk level from wild birds is low.
We remain vigilant to any changes in risk and are continuing to use international disease monitoring programmes in the Animal and Plant Health Agency and UK Health Security Agency to monitor the situation.
A Government spokesperson said:
We are monitoring reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) identified in dairy cattle in the USA and are working closely with international counterparts to better understand the virus strain associated with these cases.
These reports do not change the risk level for animals for the UK, which is currently ‘low’ and we have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating in our cattle and nor is this virus strain circulating in Europe.
Food Standards Agency advice remains that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
3 comments
Comment by alan wightman posted on
`Hi Ho, Hi, Ho, DEFRA on the Go!
We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig
In our "Garden" the whole day through
To dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig
Is what we like to do.
We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig
From early morn till night
We dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig
Up everything in sight.
Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho
If you go down in the countryside today,
They´ll all be at work, no time for play!
Hi Ho, Hi Ho
It´s home from work we Go!
(Mr. Barclay...promotes `Buy British Button´ on Supermarket websites).
Comment by alan wightman posted on
Supporting our farmers...Well done to Mr. Barclay despite the limitations of being a member of this government. Particularly encouraging to see our British farmers visibly supported & critically in those foreign owned supermarkets. He is one of the few I´d like to see returned to Parliament at the General Election & confident his constituents will so vote.
(As commented in Daily Express today).
Comment by alan wightman posted on
Government spokespersons commenting on any kind of `flu´ brings back memories of tragic Covid-19. Prefer Steve Barclay : "Share your aspirations with those who support you" but nigh impossible with this Government.
In his hands and with this anticipation DEFRA will be able to make informed decisions & allocate their resources wisely for the most effective response surpassing the expected. Govt.spokespersons? "No, Prime Minister"!
Hope you stick to the task, Mr. Barclay.