The poultry industry is a very important part of the East Anglian economy and, as such, I understand why there has been widespread worry as a result of the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in the area. However, it is important that there is not an overreaction or panic. The disease does not spread easily. In order for a person to be infected they must have direct contact with a diseased bird. It does not pass easily from person to person so the threat of a pandemic is hugely exaggerated. As long as people are careful, don't have contact with sick birds and keep their own birds safely shut away the disease is unlikely to spread.
The protection and surveilllance zones set out are in line with the UK contingency plan and EU regulations and DEFRA is being careful to take extra preventions in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
The avian flu affected a very small number of the birds but, as a safety measure, all birds will be culled. None of the infected birds entered the food chain so there is no worry about the safety of eating UK poultry products. Also, NFU officials have stated that proper cooking of poultry products kills the virus. I think that we must ensure that faith in British farming and British produce is not affected urge people to stay loyal and buy British.
While there is worry about a fall in sales affecting the industry early indications suggest that the consumption level has not dropped by a large amount. Japan and Russia have halted imports of British poultry but this is just a precautionary measure. The European Commission imposed a similar import ban on live birds and some poultry products fromcountries which have had outbreaks, such as Indonesia and Thailand, in order to prevent further spread of the disease.
The EU has strict provisions in place to limit the spread of the virus and, in my role as a Substitute Member of the Agriculture and Environment Committees I was closely involved in the EU'S approach to this issue.
I have been in contact with government officials in order to stay informed of any developments. In my role as MEP for the EAST and a Substitute Member of the Agriculture Committee I will do all that I can to help the situation and will be monitoring it closely.
