Geoffrey Buchanan will read out this statement at Hill Meadow farm at approximately 5.45 pm
5.45 pm 19.11.07
Avian Influenza
We have and continue to fully co-operate with DEFRA and all the relevant authorities during this period.
Following the recent outbreak of avian influenza, DEFRA started a precautionary cull of 9,000 turkeys at Hill Meadow farm on Friday 16 November.
DEFRA has today advised us that a small number of turkeys culled at Hill Meadow farm have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. It stated that on clinical inspection the flock appeared healthy, which indicates the infection was in its early stages.
As a result, DEFRA has set up a 3km radius Protection Zone is being placed around the premises on the Norfolk-Suffolk border and the existing Surveillance Zone is being extended.
Defra has also now completed culls at all five farms it identified. We await the test results from the final two farms – Stone House and Bridge farms.
We are fully supporting Defra and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in the continued investigation to identify the cause of the outbreak.
As confirmed by Defra, we would like to remind everyone that turkey meat continues to be safe to eat.
We will update you as soon as we have any further information.
Geoffrey Buchanan,
Operations Director
