Poultry found dead on a farm near Lowestoft in Suffolk contained the H5N1 avian flu virus, according to tests from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA). It has been identified as the highly pathogenic Asian strain, similar to the virus found in Hungary in January.
A Protection Zone of three kilometres radius and a Surveillance Zone of 10 kilometres have been established around the premises: movement restrictions are imposed and poultry must be isolated from wild birds. A wider Restricted Zone has also been imposed, covering east Suffolk and South East Norfolk bounded to the west and the north by the A140 and A47 respectively, an area of approximately 2090sqkm. It requires the isolation of poultry from wild birds, and requires movements to be licensed. As further information becomes available the restrictions in place may be adjusted.
Some movements restricted under the current rules may now be allowed (subject to specific conditions) - see the link to "General Movement Licences", below. For all other moves, application should be made to the local Animal Health Office.
All bird gatherings - including shows, markets and fairs, and pigeon races - have been banned nationwide (throughout England, Scotland and Wales) until further notice (this will be kept under review as the disease situation develops).
There is no reason for public health concern. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Keepers of birds are urged to be vigilant and to exercise good biosecurity. Any owners that suspect disease should act quickly and consult their vet. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and must be reported to the local Divisional Veterinary Manager in the State Veterinary Service (see below).
Helpline
If you need advice on Avian flu please call the Defra Helpline - 08459 33 55 77 (8.30am - 8.00pm 7 days a week) - and choose the Avian Influenza option.
If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans and you are within a survey area or are unsure whether you are in a surveillance area (targeted surveillance for avian influenza viruses in wild birds is ongoing) you may wish to contact the Defra Helpline (as above) and choose the Avian Influenza option, or check the map on the Defra website (below)
Further information
Vue colorisée du virus H5N1 par un microscope électronique.
 La présence du virus '''H5N1''', responsable de la grippe aviaire qui a déjà sévi en Asie, a été confirmée dans une ferme à Suffolk, expliquant ainsi la mort de 2 600 dindes.

Le ministère de l'environnement, de la consommation et des affaires rurales (DEFRA) a procédé à plusieurs tests afin de déterminer son impact après que plusieurs dindes dans la ferme de Bernard Matthews, aient présenté les symptômes de la grippe aviaire : les tests effectués pour confirmation se sont donc révélés positifs. 

Par application du principe de précaution, 159 000 dindes devraient être prochainement abattues.

Le Conseil de l'Europe a édicté une directive stipulant qu'une zone de protection d'un rayon de trois kilomètres doit être mise en place autour de l'installation incriminée. Il a aussi ordonné une zone dite  dans un rayon de 10 km, où la vente des oiseaux au marché est interdite. L'eau utilisée par les animaux domestiques doit être séparée de celle réservée aux oiseaux sauvages. Les déplacements à pied sont limités. La surveillance des symptômes des oiseaux infectés est accrue. Les oiseaux ne pourront pas être transportés sauf pour être abattus.

Les services restent confiants et estiment que l'épidémie a été contenue tout en recommandant à la population plus de vigilance.