Where do I find out more information on Avian Influenza (bird flu)?
The Isle of Wight Council is aware of public concerns regarding Avian Influenza. The Council Trading Standards Animal Health and Welfare section is actively updating its contingency plans for notifiable disease, including Avian Influenza. Should an outbreak occur, the animal health and welfare section has responsibility for ensuring that people comply with disease control measures, and assisting the SVS (State Veterinary Service) in the eradication programme. Should an outbreak occur, the Isle of Wight Council is prepared and ready to react. There are many types of Avian Influenza which can all cause disease in birds. Some types of virus cause only mild disease, whereas other types of virus can produce a high mortality rate in many species of bird. The only type of virus that causes concern to humans is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. This virus has shown the ability to occasionally jump the species barrier (i.e. from birds to humans). It has not shown the ability to spread between
