Farmers on alert as bird flu cull starts

DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has revealed the strain of flu has been identified as H7N7, which swiftly kills poultry, but is rated a low risk to human health.

The farm affected, Staveley’s Eggs at Field Foot Farm on Eaves Green Lane, Goosnargh, near Preston, is now at the centre of a 10km surveillance zone and an inner 3km protection zone.

One Fylde coast farmer – who asked not to be named – said the outbreak was worrying, but ‘manageable’

He added: “Thankfully I am just outside the 10km zone, but it is still a difficult time for the industry.

“These things can jump, but I believe it is manageable and will be contained.

“It is horrific for the birds, and can wipe a business out at the same time.

“Any kind of association with bird flu can seriously affect relationships with suppliers.

“Hopefully this will be the only outbreak.”

The culling of up to 170,000 birds at the farm was due to be completed yesterday as investigations continued into the cause of the outbreak.

Staveley’s is a major producer and packager of free range and colony cage eggs.

The restrictions mean that all poultry farms within the 10 kilometre control zone around the infected premises are not allowed to move poultry, captive birds or other mammals except under licence.

Other controls include biosecurity measures and restrictions on the movement of carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure, bird fairs and shows and the release of game birds.

DEFRA first revealed there was a suspected flu outbreak in the area last Friday.

It meant the poultry section at Saturday’s Goosnargh and Longridge Show had to be cancelled at very short notice. A decision is due on what livestock can be shown at this coming weekend’s Great Eccleston Show.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said the restrictions and culling were “part of our tried and tested approach to dealing with previous outbreaks” adding: “Public Health England has confirmed that the risk to public health from this strain is very low. The Food Standards Agency has said there is no food safety risk for consumers.”

Staveley’s Eggs Limited is a family run business with its HQ at Coppull Moor Farm on Preston Road, Coppull, Chorley. The company was founded in 1970 by Ken and Mary Staveley and describes itself as “an influential player in the UK egg industry”.

No-one from Staveley’s was available for comment.