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Confirmation of H5N1 in Dorset
Thursday 10 January 2008
Ref: Confirmation of H5N1 in Dorset
Further to Defra's confirmation of Avian Influenza in three dead swans in Dorset, West Country poultry producer Lloyd Maunder Ltd and its farmers are in a state of heightened vigilance.
The three dead mute swans were found in the Chesil Beach area of Dorset and tested positive for the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1.
Lloyd Maunder's director of operations Richard Maunder said, “We're taking this news extremely seriously. It is geographically much closer than previous H5N1 incidents and therefore we are monitoring the situation very closely.
“Thankfully, no disease has been found so far in any domestic birds or poultry in the area. We are hopeful that Defra's quickly established wild bird control and monitoring zone will alert us to any heightened risk. If the situation were to change we would act swiftly on instructions from Defra.”
The company's chicken is reared by 157 family run farms in the West Country, none of which are in the immediate area of the incident. Lloyd Maunder Ltd. processes up to 500,000 chicken a week for distribution through national retail outlets and the company's own regional chain of 15 shops.
ENDS
For more information contact Veronica Newport
PRO to Lloyd Maunder Ltd. on 01363 866927