Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds.  It may also affect people and other animals in certain circumstances.  The risk to humans is almost entirely confined to those who have close contact with infected domestic poultry.

 

The risk of transmission from wild birds to the general public is small.  However, to minimise any risk it is advisable to carry out general hygiene precautions, such as washing hands and nails thoroughly with soap and water, after handling birds.

 

On the basis of current scientific evidence, the Food Standards Agency advises that avian flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.  This is because for people the risk of catching the disease is from being in close contact with live poultry that have the disease and not through eating cooked poultry, game or eggs.

 

 

Avian Flu June 2008 update can be found at the following link

 

Food Standard Agency Advice - Bird Flu Near Banbury

 

 

Avian Flu Update can be found at the following link, published on 20 February 2006:

 

 

In view of the increased activity and speculation surround Avian Flu, the link below is the proposed action that will be taken in any outbread of Avian Flu in the UK.

 

Should the disease be detected in the UK, Defra will activiate its generic animal disease plan (at the following link)