28.04.2006

The results of further tests from the poultry farm in Dereham, Norfolk have confirmed the H7 avian flu virus, Defra announced today (28 April). The tests also indicate that the strain of virus is low pathogenicity.
The virus is confirmed as H7N3 and last occurred in the UK in 1979.
The results will need further investigations by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) before the Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds can rule out completely high pathogenicity. Results from these further tests will be available in the coming week (DEFRA).