Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a contagious disease in animals, caused by a virus that originates in wild birds and is loosely related to human flu. While all bird species and - less commonly - pigs are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to the disease. Poultry can include chicken, duck, goose, turkey, quail and guinea fowl.

In this section:

» Latest press releases:
Soil Association statement re: H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird ‘flu) outbreak in Suffolk, 14/11/07
Bernard Matthews bird 'flu outbreak - the Hungarian connection..., 09/02/07
Soil Association position on vaccination to control bird 'flu in domestic poultry and waterfowl - strategic not preventative, 18/07/06
Defra responds to Soil Association demand for strategic use of bird 'flu vaccine, 11/07/06
Death of wild swan confirms bird flu, 05/04/06
Update statement and briefing on bird flu, 22/02/06
Bird Flu: Vaccination before wholesale confinement and mass-culling, 27/10/2005
Bird Flu: Protection of public health paramount, proportionate action for producers, 18/10/2005

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