Uk - Imported Parrot Had Bird Flu

[-Tigger-]

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...199912,00.html

IMPORTED PARROT HAD BIRD FLU

A South American parrot which died in quarantine in the UK had avian flu, it has been revealed.

The parrot, which was imported in mid-September, was infected with the H5 strain of the virus.

But the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says there is no cause for alarm.

Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds said: "The confirmed case does not affect the UK's official disease free status.

"(That's) because the disease has been identified in imported birds during quarantine."

The bird was part of a mixed consignment of 148 parrots and "soft bills" that arrived in Britain on September 16.

They were being held with a consignment of birds from Taiwan.

The birds, which were being kept in a biosecure quarantine unit, have all been humanely culled, Defra said.

Mr Reynolds said the "incident showed the importance of the UK's quarantine system".

She added: "We have had similar incidents in the past where disease has been discovered but successfully contained."

Defra stressed it was "very difficult" for humans to contract avian influenza.

But to be safe all those who came in contact with the culled birds have been given antiviral treatment.
More follows...

[Terry]

wow. seein this allover the papers n radio now

[Hellfighter]

it good they save the country from that virus by doing that.

[SilentTrigger]

Its spreading!

[~MOUSE~]

Is it a Norwegian Blue ?
Beautiful plumage!

He's probably pining for the fjords.

He's not pinin'!
He's passed on!
This parrot is no more!
He has ceased to be!
He's expired and gone to meet 'is maker!
He's a stiff!
Bereft of life!
He rests in peace!
If he hadn't been nailed to the perch he'd be pushing up the daisies!
His metabolic processes are now history!
He's off the twig!
He's kicked the bucket!
He's shuffled off 'is mortal coil!
Run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!

THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!

[BADDOG]

This outbreak does seem to be causing quite a lot of concern now!!!!

Regards