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The warning of a potentially disastrous bird flu virus spreading among UK farms has been issued by an expert in avian virology. Professor Ian Brown, from the Pirbright Institute, expressed concerns about the infectiousness of the current strain. He emphasized the need for farmers to be prepared for the worst as the government implements a mandatory housing order to curb the spread of the virus.
The alarming situation has led to 26 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 on farms across the UK since October. With outbreaks occurring predominantly in England, whole flocks are being culled to contain the virus. Professor Brown highlighted the severity of the situation, urging the poultry industry to bolster their biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk posed by the virus.
Sarah Godwin, a farmer from Wiltshire, shared her apprehensions despite complying with the mandatory housing order. Bringing her 32,000 free-range hens indoors was a necessary precaution, although the potential consequences of an outbreak remain a cause for concern. The stringent biosecurity measures implemented on farms reflect the urgent need to prevent further spread of the virus, especially given its high infectiousness.
While the UK Health Security Agency reassures the public of minimal health risks from bird flu, vigilance is paramount in monitoring the virus for any mutations. The emphasis on robust biosecurity measures and prompt reporting of suspected cases underscores the concerted efforts to contain the outbreak. The support from industry leaders and stakeholders in complying with the housing order demonstrates a unified approach to tackling the escalating threat posed by the avian influenza virus
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