Resumen de Avian influenza: Vigilance urged after H7N7 outbreak

• POULTRY owners across the UK have been asked to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza in their birds following the outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N7 avian influenza that was confirmed on a premises in Lancashire on July 13 (VR, July 18, 2015, vol 177, pp 57-58).

  Speaking on July 15, Rebecca Evans, the deputy minister for farming and food in Wales, said she was confident that the necessary plans were in place to deal with an outbreak of avian disease in Wales. She also reported that appropriate arrangements were in place for the Royal Welsh Show (which took place from July 20 to 23), with the organisers confirming that they were contacting all bird exhibitors and that no birds from the restricted zone or displaying clinical signs of disease would be admitted to the showground.

  Christianne Glossop, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, added: ‘As always, all poultry keepers should continue their efforts to maintain high levels of biosecurity and monitor their birds for any signs of disease. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease, and so any suspicion should be reported immediately.’...