Department of the Environment, Food and Rurual Affairs (DEFRA) have set up a Helpline for enquiries regarding Avian (Bird) Flu. The number is 08459 335577.
Avian influenza is a disease of birds that can be passed to humans through direct contact with infected birds or other infected material.
Although a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds, it cannot be passed on easily to humans or from person to person. The risk of acquiring avian influenza through the food chain is low, and is unlikely to pose a food safety risk to consumers.
A particularly infectious strain known as H5N1 is spreading worldwide in domestic flock and causing concerning with the migratory bird population.
Useful external links
- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), regularly update their website with information about Avian Flu.
Further information can be obtained from the following link:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm
(connection to this site may be slow) - Additional information can be found on the Health Protection Agency (HPA) website:
http://hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian - Additional information can be found on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website:
http://www.food.gov.uk - World Health Organization Fact Sheet
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/index.html - Additional information can be found on the BirdLife International on the conservation implications of avian influenza
http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/avian_flu/index.html
Contact us
Environmental Health
Food and Safety
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
