Avian influenza H7 confirmed in Oxfordshire

A temporary control zone, with a
3km inner zone and a 10km outer zone,
has been established around
the infected premises - PDF map

The Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, has confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza in chickens on premises near Banbury in Oxfordshire after preliminary tests were positive for the H7 strain. All birds on the premises will be slaughtered as a precautionary measure.

Laboratory testing continues and results that will allow confirmation of whether the strain is high or low pathogenicity will follow. A detailed epidemiological investigation to better understand the origin and development of the disease is underway.

A temporary control zone, with a three-kilometre inner zone and a 10-kilometre outer zone, has been established around the infected premises.
A number of measures apply. All birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds in the inner zone. Bird gatherings are banned and all other movements of birds and some products are banned in the whole of the temporary control zone. DEFRA is urgently considering whether any wider measures may be needed.

The Health Protection Agency has advised that it is important to remember that H7 avian flu remains largely a disease of birds. The virus does not transmit easily to humans, as evidenced by the small number of confirmed infections worldwide to date. Almost all human H7 infections documented so far have been associated with close contact with dead or dying poultry.

All poultry keepers on the GB Poultry Register are being notified, and the EU Commission has been informed. For further information, visit the avian influenza pages on the DEFRA website.

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