- Low pathogenic virus has been detected but we are still waiting for final confirmation of disease. Virus isolation tests are ongoing at Weybridge before LPAI H5N1 is confirmed.
- Culling of the 40000 bird will commence tomorrow (Wednesday) morning and will be completed by COP on Thursday 14 January. Disposal routes to the rendering plant in England have been agreed.
- Investigations into the potential source of the virus are ongoing.
- An assessment of tracings are being worked on.
OIE Notification/Trade
- The OIE and the Commission will be officially notified on confirmation of disease. However they have been provided with updates on the disease situation. Defra prepared to notify third countries on confirmation of disease. A number of EHCs are affected by this event but many EHCs are still affected by the previous HPAI outbreak.
- Northern Ireland have prepared licences for trade in live poultry and hatching eggs,
Media
- There has been coverage in the Scottish media and most of the news websites reported the news. An APHA press officer is present at the premises. We can expect some coverage at the start of culling.
Farm Audits
- The Environment Agency is coming under pressure from industry in England to halt EPR audits but they see no reason to put them on hold. SEPA has no plans to halt audits and it’s business as usual.