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Most people will have no doubt heard or read about the
current concerns regarding avian influenza. This 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 and it is caused by a Type A influenza virus.
It is one of the most important diseases of commercial
poultry and serious outbreaks have been reported in many
countries. In the UK it was last confirmed in a flock of
8000 turkeys in Norfolk back in January 1992.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 AI strain involved in most of
the outbreaks during the last 18 months has shown the ability
to jump the species barrier occasionally and cause severe
disease, with high
mortality, in humans. It has not shown the ability to move
easily between humans.
In an effort to limit the opportunity for "bird flu"
to reach the UK the government, in line with other members
of the European Union, has banned the import of live birds.
Whilst importation of birds has been banned, it is still
possible to export birds from the UK. Interestingly, in
Hinckley itself, there is a business involved in the "export"
of premium birds to the Middle East....... though not poultry!
Hand reared Peregrine and Saker falcons of the utmost quality
are currently being bought buy purchasers from the Middle
East - where they are held in extremely high esteem.
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