Avian Influenza - "BIrd" Flu - Introduction

With any confirmed case of bird flu in the UK, businesses in the poultry industry will need to start making plans in case the disease spreads.

With limited information, it is difficult to know what restrictions will apply and how your business could be affected, if at all.

This guide aims to provide as much advice and support as possible to people living in the UK and those who own businesses which may be affected by an outbreak of bird flu.

Bird flu

With avian influenza now reaching the UK, businesses need to take steps to ensure the potential impact on their business is minimal.

Business threats of bird flu

• Avian Influenza is a disease of birds which occasionally affects people who have been in contact with poultry.  Although the disease could mutate into a disease which affects humans, this has not yet happened.
• Protection, Surveillance and Restriction Zones of several kilometres will be established around sites where highly pathogenic strains of Avian Influenza have been identified.  Movement orders are likely to be imposed and poultry on identified premises will be culled.
• The national general licence permitting bird gatherings will be revoked, thus bird shows and pigeon racing will not be permitted.
• Movement restrictions are likely to be imposed on bird by-products and mammals in the zones in place for Avian Influenza.
• Workers who have been in direct contact with affected poultry flocks will be offered anti-viral drugs and seasonal flu injections.
• Properly cooked poultry and poultry products are safe to eat, the disease is NOT contracted by eating food but by close contact with infected birds.
• Normal food hygiene advice in relation to handling raw poultry meat in the kitchen should be followed.  People should ensure that turkey meat is cooked to the point where the juices run clear and there are no red parts in the meat.
• There may be a business cost as a result of stringent health & safety policies and procedures for preventing spread of the virus.
• There may be disruption to the supply chain, particularly as regards poultry products in the unlikely event of the disease becoming widespread.