AVIAN FLU

[Guest]

A WEALTH OF INFORMATION

 

Dear James

 

Here is a link that should provide the information you need:

 

Avian Influenza in Wild Birds—Sources of Information

http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/AvianFlu/WBAvianFlu.htm

 

Best wishes

Mike

Mike Shanahan

News Editor

SciDev.Net

97-99 Dean Street

London W1D 3TE

UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 7292 9914

http://www.scidev.net

 

Register for our free weekly email alert at http://www.scidev.net/register-new

 

 

 

 

 

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From: Karen Levin

Sent: 13 March 2006 09:46

To: Mike Shanahan

Subject: FW: avian flu

 

 

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: jaswhite

Sent: 12 March 2006 23:33

To: Info

Subject: avian flu

 

 

dear sir, reading much of the widespread avian flu etc. i wonder if you could give me info, on the birds that are most likely hosts,or carriers of this desease, i read , that the most likely hosts are the migratory birds, but not a lot on which actual species, i am particularly worried about birds of prey, which of course eat most birds, yet they never seem to be mentioned as carriers, could you please advise

   thanking you

          james white

[Guest]

These are the most up-to-date risk assessments on pigeons / racing pigeons held by (1a & EU and (2a & DEFRA.

 

(1a)Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFCAH)

Section Controls and Import Conditions

Section Animal Health and Welfare

Section Biological Safety of the Food Chain)

 

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY           07-08 MARCH 2006

 

Discussed AI document SANCO/10194/2006/rev.1) (WAV) I cannot locate this document.

 

(1b) European Food Safety Authority – AHAW - Annex to The EFSA Journal (2005) 266, 1-21; Animal health and welfare aspects of Avian Influenza, Animal health and welfare aspects of Avian Influenza, Adopted on 13/14 September 2005

 

6.3.3 RACING PIGEONS

 

Historically, pigeons (Columba livia) have been considered resistant to avian influenza viruses and in experiments infections of pigeons have been difficult to establish. Doyle (1927) used the susceptibility of pigeons to infection with Newcastle disease virus with disease and death as one of the criteria used to distinguish that virus from “fowl plague” [HPAI] virus (Doyle, 1927). In experiments with the HPAI H5N9 virus ty/Ontario/7732/66 Narayan et al., (1969) showed intravenously infected pigeons seroconverted but no virus shedding or clinical disease was detected. Using the same virus Slemons and Easterday (1972) reported disease and death in 1/19 pigeons infected intranasally and isolation of virus from the trachea of two of the infected pigeons.

 

Panigrahy et al., (1996) infected pigeons experimentally with HPAI and LPAI viruses of H5N2 subtype and HPAI H7N7 and LPAI H7N1, by oculonasal and intravenous routes and in contact with these infected birds. They failed to produce disease or seroconversion in any of the infected pigeons and only one tracheal swab, taken on day 3 from a LPAI H7-infected pigeon, yielded virus, which the authors considered to be residual inoculum. Similarly, Perkins and Swayne (2002) failed to show any virus excretion, disease, lesions or seroconversion in pigeons infected intranasally with HPAI A/chicken/Hong Kong/220/97 H5N1 virus.

 

These experimental data are consistent with field studies during the 1983-84 HPAI H5N2 Pennsylvania epizootic in which Nettles et al., (1985) reported failure to isolate any AI virus from 473 pigeons, 7 doves and 81 samples of material contaminating the feet of pigeons that were sampled in the infection quarantine area (Nettles et al., 1985). However, it should be noted that H5N1 viruses were reported as isolated from feral pigeons in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003 (Li et al., 2004). Similarly HPAI of the H7N1 subtype was isolated from a dead collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) during the 1999-2000 Italian epidemic (Capua et al., 2000c). In experiments aimed at assessing the ability of the HPAI H7N7 virus responsible for the outbreaks in The Netherlands in 2003 to infect pigeons administration of 107 EID50 to individual pigeons intranasally failed to result in the excretions of virus, clinical or histological signs or seroconversion (Shell, W. 2005).

 

The conclusion from these data could be that pigeons are very unlikely to become infected with AI viruses and therefore pose very little threat of introducing AI viruses into an area. However, some caution should be exercised in dismissing racing pigeons as potential agents for introduction and spread of AI viruses. Host range may be very much related to specific virus strains and could evolve during an epizootic. Equally racing pigeons could act as mechanical vectors if contaminated with infective faecal material while invading farms with affected poultry. The nature of racing pigeons over large distances and from country to country plus the procedure of gathering them together for release represent introduction risks that are unique to these birds. A detailed review of HPAI virus infections of pigeons has recently been published by (Kaleta and Honicke, 2004)

 

6.3.4 OTHER PIGEONS AND DOVES [NOT POULTRY OR RACING PIGEONS]

 

Other pigeons and doves may be kept as pets, show birds (either similar to captive caged birds or active show birds such as ‘tumblers’) or working birds (e.g. as magicians’ props). In view of the probable lack of susceptibility of pigeons to AI infections the risk of introductions by such birds may be regarded a very low, but should not be entirely ignored in any legislation aimed at control

 

(2a) DEFRA - INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH DIVISION - International Animal Disease Monitoring Team POTENTIAL ROLE OF CERTAIN FREE LIVING AVIAN AND FREE LIVING AND DOMESTIC ANIMAL SPECIES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (H5N1)

Qualitative Risk Assessments Ref: VITT1200/HPAI –Avian and mammal species Version No.:1

Date: 22 March 2006

 

3 Hazard identification

 

3.1 Official Disease Reports - HPAI (H5) in pigeons and doves

H5N1 virus has been reported in wild pigeons in Turkey, Iraq and Romania.

 

3.1.1 Turkey

Turkey reported the confirmation of H5 avian influenza virus in 11 wild pigeons and 2 doves between January and March 2006 in eight provinces (Amasya, Aydin, Bitlis, Erzincan, Karabuk, Mardin and Samsun)

 

3.1.2 Iraq

Iraq reported an outbreak of H5 HPAI in village pigeons in Missan (Maysan) on 9 February with two deaths in a population of 980 pigeons. The remaining birds were destroyed.

 

3.1.3 Romania

Romania reported the finding of a dead wild pigeon infected with H5 HPAI in Constanta on 23 February.

 

4 Risk assessment

 

4.1.2.1.2 Free-living pigeons

 

Free-living pigeons live in contact with people and a variety of species of birds and animals all over the world. Based on published data on AI detection in various bird species until 2005, birds of the order Columbiformes have been cited in 20 publications out of 1080 publications (1.8%). Most AI detections have been cited in Anatiformes (geese, duck and swans)(~65%); Phasianiformes (pheasants, partridges

quails, etc)(~12%); Charadiformes (lapwings, plovers)(~12%), Passeriformes (perching birds)(~4%), Psittaciformes (parrots)(~2%) and others (~3%) (Kaleta and others, 2005). In one experiment, free-living pigeons have been shown to be resistant to infection and no virus has been re-isolated following the challenge with the strain of the virus obtained in Hong Kong in 1997 (Perkins and Swayne, 2002). In another experiment, experimental inoculation of pigeons with two different H5N1 isolates from Thailand resulted in the death of one pigeon while a few others become infected but showed no clinical signs. In this experiment, about half of the pigeons did not become infected following the challenge with the virus (Swayne, D.E., – personal communication, March 2006).

 

4.1.2.3 General comment

 

Wild waterfowl are the major reservoir of avian influenza (AI) viruses. All influenza viruses in other animal species are thought to be derived from these birds. Historically, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of H5 or H7 subtypes have been associated with most severe outbreaks of avian influenza in domestic poultry (Easterday and others, 1997). However, transmission of the AI viruses from waterfowl to other avian or mammalian species appear to be intermittent demonstrating that host specificity also include a limited ability to infect and generate diseases in aberrant (incidental hosts) (Perkins and Swayne, 2002). The clustering of isolations of the virus in dead scavenging birds, birds of prey and carnivores in time with reported H5N1 infection of wild waterfowl in Europe or in some other countries is notable epidemiologically. This is most likely as a result of exposure due to close contact to a number of dead wild waterfowl available as food. While the virus detection in this species is a definitive proof of their susceptibility, it is also apparent that exposure will result in death. This is in line with the evidence so far that the virus has not been isolated from live and apparently healthy birds or carnivores.

 

It is considered that interspecies transmission of viruses does not necessarily result in a net gene flow between host-specific virus gene pools. Reassorted new virus progenies with new genes may have lower fitness (reduced replication and virus shedding) relative to virions that have host adapted genes and thus may not persist” (Webster and others, 1992).

 

5 Conclusions

A number of free living avian species and free living and domestic animal species have been shown to be susceptible to natural (and experimental) infection with the H5N1virus. There is evidence of H5N1 virus strain variation with respect to the susceptibility of some species which is consistent with the known epidemiology of all avian influenza (AI) viruses.

 

The currently available evidence indicates that exposure of various free living avian species and free living and domestic animal species to HPAI H5N1 virus is likely to result in death following close and direct exposure to the virus. In epidemiological terms, this development is consistent with the concept of a

self-limiting disease (a ‘dead-end’ host). The recent pattern of the virus detection in these species indicates that these species became infected because of localised introduction and a high level of exposure to the virus from other species rather than horizontal transmission within the species concerned

 

Published observations in poultry and some other species indicates that infection with H5N1 virus only results from very close direct exposure. It is epidemiologically notable that the recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in other avian species and mammals has been associated with a high prevalence of infection, either in wild waterfowl (e.g.Europe) or commercial poultry (e.g. some countries in Asia). It is also worth noting that in the majority of cases the virus has been detected as isolated cases where wild birds of prey and scavenging birds have been found dead and submitted for testing or in the case of big cats (tigers and leopards) in zoos that have been fed infected poultry.

 

Recent reports on HPAI H5N1 virus in avian and mammal species correlate with the known epidemiology of AI viruses and its ability to infect a variety of species following exposure. Therefore, these recent detections are not unexpected and need to interpreted with care, particularly when referring to the virus’s ability to infect ‘new species’.

 

In other words, if a pigeon becomes infected, that infection has occurred through a high level of exposure to an infected wild bird (not another infected pigeon). The pigeon is expected to die and the virus die with it ... a 'dead-end host' and a self-limiting disease. Pigeons are therefore not expected to spread the disease.  

 

 

 

(2b) Regarding racing from the continent I have received the following from DEFRA:

 

Pigeon racing - Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) statement.

 

A SCoFCAH statement agreed on 8 March recommended that the decision to authorise pigeon races should be based on a risk assessment. In the light of this, we have reviewed our veterinary risk assessment which allows racing to take place within the British Isles (including the Republic of Ireland) but does not permit racing from another Member State. The assessment has not changed. Therefore it is highly unlikely that any pigeon racing from outside the British Isles will be permitted this season.

 

Note that the 'we' is DEFRA, not SCoFCAH

[Guest]

"AS POMPEY MICK SAID, IT WOULD BE GREAT, IF THE POWERS TO BE , COULD FIND OUT WHY, PIGEONS, DONT ACT AS A RESERVOIR,,AND POSSIBLY HOLD THE ANSWERS TO AVIAN FLU,,,,,THAT WOULD MAKE BETTER NEWS""

 

This is the bit of your post I'm attempting to answer Jimmy, or rather provide an answer from the avian vets' email, by Dr Paul Miller:-

 

From an Avian Influenza point of view, pigeons are different from any other bird: they just do not host Influenza well.  Viruses in general are quite particular about the cell type and the cell surface that they will use for replication.   Apparently pigeons lack the cell surface receptors and the cell physiology to accommodate the Influenza virus.  It has to do with the cellular nature of the bird.  Even if you take a pathogenic strain, such as the current Asian H5N1, they still can not be efficiently infected; only a few can be infected.

[jimmy white]

with respect bruno, find it hard to understand your last paragraph, which looks a bit like a contradiction, [or more probable its me not understanding it]when dr miller says, "even if you take a pathogenic strain, such as the currant  asian flu H5N1,   they still CANNOT be efficiantly infected; only a FEW can be infected"maybe you can enlighten me more, meanwhile i thank you for your answer, and hope things are going well with you,,,,DOC :)

[Guest]

Interesting article from the Arab News

 

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=79896&d=28&m=3&y=2006

[Guest]

with respect bruno, find it hard to understand your last paragraph, which looks a bit like a contradiction, [or more probable its me not understanding it]when dr miller says, "even if you take a pathogenic strain, such as the currant  asian flu H5N1,   they still CANNOT be efficiantly infected; only a FEW can be infected"maybe you can enlighten me more, meanwhile i thank you for your answer, and hope things are going well with you,,,,DOC :)

 

 

Dr Millar is saying that H5N1 isn't too clever at infecting pigeons. Pigeons are not immune to the disease but they do have a lot of natural resistance to it. This is backed up by official reports from areas around the world with Avian flu where very few pigeons have been reported as having been infected by the virus. Also, the pigeons had all died of the disease ... a 'clever' virus doesn't kill the host bird, it turns it into a Avian flu factory to pass virus on to other birds ... Dr Millar reckons its the special make up of the pigeon's body cells that stops the virus multiplying.

[jons_pigeons]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4881526.stm

Preliminary tests have found the H5 avian flu in a sample from a swan found dead in Fife, health officials have revealed.

[jimmy white]

TELETEXT BBCI 9 15 WED

BIRD FLU IN DEAD SWAN

 

PRELIMINARY TESTS HAVE FOUND THE H5 AVIAN FLU IN A SAMPLE FROM A DEAD SWAN FOUND IN FIFE.

 

THE EXACT STRAIN OF THE FLU IS NOT YET KNOWN,BUT TESTS WERE CONTINNUING FURTHER, AND A RESULT IS EXPECTED ON THURS.

 

THE SCOTTISH EXC. SAID THE AREA HAS BEEN SEALED OFF

 

 

IF THE DESEASE IS CONFIRMED AS THE DEADLY H5N1 STRAIN, THERE MAY BE FURTHER RESTRICTIONS PUT IN PLACE

[fifestay]

It is H5

[Guest]

Scottish Executive news release, 5th April:

 

Bird flu virus found in dead swan

05/04/2006

 

Preliminary tests have found highly pathogenic H5 avian flu in a sample from a swan found dead in Fife.

 

The exact strain of the virus is not yet known. Tests are continuing and a further result is expected on Thursday.

 

In accordance with a recent EU decision the Executive is putting in place a Protection Zone of a minimum of three kilometres radius and a Surveillance Zone of 10 kilometres around the location near Anstruther.

 

Keepers of birds in the protection zone are being instructed to isolate their birds from wild birds by taking them indoors wherever possible.

 

Measures to restrict the movement of poultry, eggs and poultry products from these zones will be brought into effect immediately.

 

If disease is confirmed as H5N1 there may be further restrictions put in place, such as housing and movement controls.

 

Whilst highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found the full type is not yet known at this stage. There is no reason for public health concern.

 

Avian Influenza or bird flu 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.

 

Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland Charles Milne said:

 

"Whilst disease has yet to be confirmed, this is an important development. Bird keepers outside the protection zone should redouble their efforts to prepare for bringing their birds indoors if that becomes necessary. They must also review their biosecurity measures to ensure that all possible precautions have been taken."

 

Exercise Hawthorn, the UK exercise for Avian Influenza has been brought to an end by the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds.

 

She said:

 

"I brought to an end the national avian influenza exercise to ensure that we can bring all our resources to bear on this situation.

 

"We are already in a high state of readiness and I have every confidence that officials north and south of the border will work together to manage this incident successfully."

 

[Guest TAMMY_1]

A NEWS ITEM HAS JUST COME UP ON SKY NEWS THAT TWO DEAD SWANS HAVE BEEN FOUND DEAD IN A PARK IN GLASGOW AND THEY WILL ALSO BE TESTED FOR BIRD FLU.

[Guest]

Copied from Scottish Executive website, Thu 6th April:

 

 

Bird flu in dead swan in Fife

06/04/2006

 

Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer today said there was no indication of infection in domestic poultry after the bird flu virus was found in a dead mute swan in Fife.

 

Charles Milne said surveillance was continuing within the 10 km zone set up round Cellardyke Harbour near Anstruther, with movement restrictions placed on all poultry and poultry products within a 3 km protection zone.

 

Preliminary tests have found highly pathogenic H5 avian flu in a sample from the swan, the first case of its kind in Britain. The exact strain of the virus will be known later today.

 

If it is the H5N1 strain restrictions will continue and may be increased. If it is another strain they will be lifted.

 

Mr Milne said if other dead wild birds were found in the area they would be sent for laboratory tests. The public should not pick up any dead birds but should instead report them to the police or through a special hotline - 08459 33 55 77.

 

He said the unringed swan had been reported on March 29 and collected the next day. It arrived at laboratories in Weybridge in Surrey on March 31 and preliminary results showing the H5 virus were first known on April 5.

 

Mr Milne confirmed that the dead swan had been partially eaten by predators, but there was no evidence to suggest domestic animals were involved. The protection measures included advice on pets.

 

He said the countryside remained open and there was no need for the public to restrict their movements.

 

Bird flu hotline

08459 33 55 77

 

Later an Executive spokesperson said:

 

"This is a serious development but one we have prepared and planned for. Environment Minister Ross Finnie is clearly leading our response, in line with those plans. Ministers from the Cabinet group on Civil Contingencies will be meeting for an initial briefing.

 

"The First Minister has been briefed personally by Ross Finnie and will be kept up to speed with developments on a regular basis. Health Minister Andy Kerr is in continuous liaison with colleagues including the Chief Medical Officer and Health Protection Scotland to ensure a fully integrated approach. Mr Finnie is also taking steps to ensure that Opposition parties are briefed on the current situation.

 

"There will also be a meeting of officials in London later today to discuss the obvious implications for the whole of the UK. Scottish Executive officials will be a key part of that meeting. It is very important that UK administrations work closely together in partnership on this - and again that has always been the planned approach.

 

"Ministers are alive to the needs of Scottish industry and public. Ministers on the Civil Contingencies Group will be on standby for further meetings to discuss and review how our plans will be taken forward here in Scotland."

 

The Executive has today brought legislation into force to deal with the finding of an H5N1 avian influenza virus in a dead swan in Fife. This legislation, the Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (Scotland) Order 2006, implements European Commission Decision 2206/115/EC. It gives powers to establish a 3km Protection Zone surrounded by a 10 KM Surveillance Zone centred on the shore at Cellardyke where the wild bird was found. Within these zones Ministers can require biosecurity measures and movement controls on birds and poultry products.

 

Mr Milne said: "This legislation will enable us to tailor an effective response to the finding of disease in a wild bird in Scotland and contain the problem as quickly as possible."

 

[Guest]

Well. Seems we now need to rely on RSPB and The Scotsman to keep us up to date:-

 

 

Fife bird flu confirmed as deadly H5N1 strain

 

 

TESTS have confirmed that the swan found dead in Fife died from the deadly H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus which can be fatal to humans, an official for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said this afternoon.

 

The discovery makes Britain the 14th country in Europe to have the disease in its territory. The H5N1 virus has caused the death of 108 people worldwide, most of them in Asia.

 

The infected swan has been confirmed as a native non-migratory Mute swan, which means it will have been infected in the country, rather than bringing the virus from abroad.

 

A 1.8 mile (3km) protection zone has been set up around the area where the swan was found, with a 10-km surveillance zone also in force.

 

Checkpoints remained in place this morning on roads leading out of the village, with officers ensuring any vehicle containing poultry or poultry products did not leave the area.

 

The decomposed and partially eaten body of the swan was first reported last Wednesday, but it is not known how long the creature had been lying there.

 

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Charles Milne, defended the time it took to confirm bird flu infection in the bird. Mr Milne said: "The procedures were followed fully and the timeline could not have been tighter."

 

The government's crisis management committee was meeting today to review the UK's contingency plans. Scottish ministers are also meeting to discuss the problem; First Minister Jack McConnell, who is in America for New York's Tartan Week, is being kept informed.

 

A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said: "We have been preparing for this for months and the key thing is to update everyone and ensure the plan is being implemented."

 

"Ministers on the civil contingencies group will be on standby for further meetings to discuss and review how our plans will be taken forward here in Scotland."

 

Tony Blair stressed the need for calm and for the public not to panic: "The Scottish Executive and ourselves will take the measures that are appropriate as indeed has been done cordoning off of the area and we will act accordingly to the advice that we get."

 

"I do just emphasise one thing. It is very important that people understand this. This is not a human-to-human virus, it is something that is transmitted to poultry. It is only if humans are in direct and very intensive contact with poultry that there is any risk involved."

 

The president of Scotland's National Farmers' Union, John Kinnaird, said "The evidence across Europe suggests that it is unlikely to get into the farm population and if it does then it becomes a different ball game.

 

"There are nine poultry premises within 10km of here and all the farmers are extremely worried. But they’ve been prepared for this for a long time, they are keeping their chickens indoors and the rest of the country is getting ready to do the same."

 

• Anyone who finds a dead swan, duck or goose, or three or more dead wild or garden birds together, should contact Defra on 08459 335577.

 

However, a single dead small garden or wild bird should be left alone and Defra need not be contacted, a spokeswoman said.

 

 

This article: http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=161&id=530682006

 

Last updated: 06-Apr-06 14:27 BST

 

 

[Guest]

Copied from Scottish Executive website:

 

Confirmation of bird flu

06/04/2006

 

Tests from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) have confirmed that the sample from the swan found dead in Fife did contain the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu virus.

 

Scottish and UK officials are already undertaking an urgent veterinary risk assessment and consulting ornithological experts to consider the specific circumstances of this case and determine the level of any risk it may pose to poultry and other kept birds.

 

However, on the basis of a preliminary risk assessment it has been concluded that a GB-wide poultry housing requirement would be disproportionate.

 

In a statement, the Scottish and UK Chief Veterinary Officers said they are urgently considering whether there is a need for any regional measures in addition to those already put in place around Cellardyke where a Protection Zone of three kilometres and a Surveillance Zone of 10 kilometres is in force.

 

Further advice will be available once the full veterinary assessment is complete and this situation will be reviewed on a daily basis.

 

The CVOs say there is no reason for public health concern; 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.

 

Earlier, Scotland's CVO Charles Milne said there was no indication of infection in domestic poultry after the bird flu virus was found in a dead mute swan in the harbour at Cellardyke.

 

Mr Milne said if other dead wild birds were found in the area they would be sent for laboratory tests. The public should not pick up any dead birds but should instead report them to the police or through a special hotline - 08459 33 55 77.

 

He said the unringed swan had been reported on March 29 and collected the next day. It arrived at VLA in Weybridge, Surrey, on March 31 and preliminary results showing the H5 virus were first known on April 5.

 

Mr Milne confirmed that the dead swan had been partially eaten by predators, but there was no evidence to suggest domestic animals were involved. The protection measures included advice on pets.

 

He said the countryside remained open and there was no need for the public to restrict their movements.

 

Bird flu hotline

08459 33 55 77

 

The Executive brought legislation into force to deal with the finding of an H5N1 avian influenza virus in a dead swan in Fife. This legislation, the Avian Influenza (H5N1 in Wild Birds) (Scotland) Order 2006, implements European Commission Decision 2206/115/EC. It gives powers to establish a 3km Protection Zone surrounded by a 10 KM Surveillance Zone centred on the shore at Cellardyke where the wild bird was found. Within these zones Ministers can require biosecurity measures and movement controls on birds and poultry products.

 

Mr Milne said: "This legislation will enable us to tailor an effective response to the finding of disease in a wild bird in Scotland and contain the problem as quickly as possible."

 

[Guest shadow]

3 dead swans found in Antrim suspected bird flu.

[robert.sutherland]

why `did it take a full 7 days for it to be on the news WHY                                      

[robert.sutherland]

why `did it take a full 7 days for it to be on the news WHY                yours in sport       bob

                      

[Guest]

THE AVIAN INFLUENZA (H5N1 in WILD BIRDS) (SCOTLAND) ORDER 2006

 

Full document (pdf 18 pages) download at:

 

 

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/SpecificDisease/AvianInfluenza/SSI196

 

Here is an EXTRACT giving main restrictions in the wild bird protection & surveillence zones:-

 

INTERPRETATION

 

2. In this Order-

 

"the Act" means the Animal Health Act 1981;

 

"other captive bird" means a bird kept in captivity which is not poultry and includes a bird kept for  shows, races, exhibitions, competitions, breeding or sale;

 

CONFIRMATION OR SUSPICION OF H5N1 IN WILD BIRDS

 

8.-(1) This article applies if the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland) advises the Scottish Ministers that-

 

(a) the avian influenza virus of the H5 subtype is present in a wild bird or the carcase of a wild bird in Great Britain; and has been confirmed as Nl.

 

(2) If the wild bird or carcase was found in Scotland, the Scottish Ministers must declare an area to be a wild bird protection zone and an area to be a wild bird surveillance zone.

 

(4) An area shall remain a wild bird protection zone until-

 

(a) the Scottish Ministers amend the declaration ~so that the area within its boundaries becomes part of the wild bird surveillance zone; or

 

( the Scottish Ministers revoke the declaration.

 

(5) An area shall remain a wild bird surveillance zone until the Scottish Ministers revoke the declaration.

 

MAINTENANCE OF MEASURES

 

13.-(1) If the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland) advises the Scottish Ministers that (H5N1) is present in the wild bird or carcase referred to in article 8(1)(a) the Scottish Ministers must not-

 

(a) amend any declaration made under article 8 so that the wild bird protection zone becomes part of the wild bird surveillance zone until at least 21 days have elapsed from the date on which the sample showing the presence of the H5 virus was collected from that wild bird or carcase; or

 

( revoke any declaration made under article 8 until at least 30 days have elapsed from the date the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland) advised the Scottish Ministers of the presence ofH5 in that wild bird or carcase.

 

 

POWERS OF A VETERINARY INSPECTOR TO IMPOSE BIOSECURITY MEASURES

 

17.-(1) A veterinary inspector may, if the inspector considers it necessary to prevent the spread of avian influenza, require-

 

(a) the detention and isolation of any vehicle, equipment or other thing by serving a notice on the occupier of the premises where it is, or on the person in charge of it;

 

( the cleansing and disinfection of any premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept, by serving a notice on the occupier of those premises;

 

(d) the provision of facilities for disinfection on any premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept, by serving a notice on the occupier of those premises;

 

(h) the detention or isolation in a specified place of any bird by serving a notice on the occupier of the premises where it is or on its keeper; and

 

(i) the separation of any bird from other birds by serving a notice on the occupier of the premises where it is or on its keeper.

 

COST OF COMPLIANCE

 

20. The costs incurred by any person in taking any action required by, or of refraining from taking action prohibited by, this Order (or of any declaration, licence or notice under it) must be met by that person unless the Scottish Ministers otherwise direct in writing.

 

ENFORCEMENT

25.-{1) The local authority must, subject to paragraph (2), enforce this Order.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may direct, in relation to cases of a particular description or any particular case, that an enforcement duty imposed on a local authority under this Order must be discharged by the Scottish Ministers and not by the local authority.

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

Measures applicable in respect of a wild bird protection zone

 

PART 1

 

MOVEMENT AND GATHERING OF BIRDS

 

Prohibition on the movement of poultry and other captive birds from premises in a wild bird protection zone

 

1.-{1) No person may move poultry or other captive birds from premises in a wild bird protection zone except under the authority of a licence granted by a veterinary inspector or an inspector acting at the direction of a veterinary inspector.

(2) The veterinary inspector may not grant, nor direct an inspector to grant, a licence under paragraph (1) unless it is for one of the following movements-

 

(g) the movement of other captive birds-

(i) from a body, institute or centre in a wild bird protection zone approved in relation to the birds to be moved under regulation 9 of the Animals and Animal Products

(Import and Export) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2005; and

(ii) to another body, institute or centre so approved.

(3) In this paragraph, "associated wild bird surveillance zone" means, in relation to a wild bird protection zone, the wild bird surveillance zone centred on the same place as that wild bird protection zone.

 

Prohibition on the movement of poultry and other captive birds in to or out of a wild bird protection zone

 

2. No person may move poultry or other captive birds in to or out of a wild bird protection zone

 

except where-

(a) the movement is through the zone on a major highway or railway if no stop is made within the zone;

 

Prohibition on gatherings of poultry and other captive birds in a wild bird surveillance zone

 

12.No person may permit any poultry or other captive birds to be collected together in a wild bird protection zone at any fair, market, show or other gathering.

 

SCHEDULE 3

 

BIOSECURITY MEASURES

 

1. This Schedule applies in respect of premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept,

 

2. The occupier must provide and maintain means of disinfection at the entrances and exits of the premises and any buildings on the premises housing poultry or other captive birds.

 

3. A person entering or leaving premises-

(a) must cleanse their hands;

( must not wear clothing which is visibly soiled with mud, droppings, animal or bird

faeces, or any similar matter; and

© must cleanse and disinfect the outer surfaces of his footwear in accordance with the directions of an inspector.

 

 

[Guest shadow]

Dead swan found in Cleethorpes Lincolnshire DEFRA informed awaitng test results. Hope they are negative.

[jimmy white]

two dead swans foundin glasgow,,found to be negative also

[Guest bristolkev]

Last Updated: Friday, 7 April 2006, 08:56 GMT 09:56 UK  

 

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Dead seagulls tested for bird flu  

 

The birds were found at a boating lake in the centre of Gloucester

Three seagulls found dead on a city centre boating lake are to be tested for bird flu.

The birds were found by a park ranger at Westgate Boating Lake in Gloucester on Thursday.

 

A Defra spokeswoman the tests were being carried out as a matter of course at the agency's centre in the city.

 

She said it was routine for dead wild birds to be tested currently. A dead duck found in Edgbaston, Birmingham, has also been collected by Defra.

 

The spokeswoman said: "Any wild birds found dead anywhere, be they geese or swans, ducks or seagulls, are being tested at the moment.

 

"It is absolutely routine."

 

She said Defra had tested 1,100 birds since 1 February.

 

  The tests are a precaution - there is minimal risk

 

Gloucester City Council

 

Two of the birds were recovered from the scene on Thursday, and a third, which was found on the island in the middle of the lake, was collected on Friday.

 

The test results are expected over the weekend, but the Defra spokeswoman said no cordons or exclusion zones would be introduced in the meantime.

 

A spokesman for Gloucester City Council said: "Three birds, seagulls, were found at the lake yesterday.

 

"The guidelines state that when three or more birds of the same species are found dead in the same place, an investigation has to be carried out.

 

"Given the current climate, we took the decision to inform Defra, and they are carrying out tests. This is mainly a precaution, and there is minimal risk."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest shadow]

The 3 dead swans in Antrim DID NOT have bird flu press release 3 hrs ago.

[mickmcgrevy]

Just my opinion, but I think when they have tested all the birds that have been reported around Fife, they will all be found to be negative for the H5N1 type virus.

 

My opinion again, the swan which has proved positive for H5N1 in Fife was on its way over here fron Germany and didn't make it , it then came in on the tide,

 

All the best and good luck to all this year

 

Mick McGrevy  

[Guest]

Mick

 

I never thought of that, I hope your theory is right. It does seem funny that they have not as yet found any others with it.

[Guest]

Snippet on BBC News24 today, following news conference in Perth:

 

Should there be no further instances of H5N1 found within the quarantine zone from 30 days following the find of the dead infected swan on 31st March, then the current zones (and their restrictions) will be ended.