MP's warning over threat of bird flu (From Stroud News and Journal)

MP's warning over threat of bird flu

MP DAVID Drew has warned people in Stroud to be vigilant as the threat of bird flu reaching the UK increases.

A member of the Defra select committee, Mr Drew said the H5N1 strain of the virus carried by birds - which has killed 91 people globally since 1993 - could well hit the UK.

"The likelihood is that we'll get something at some point so people need to give the authorities as much notice as possible so we can quarantine the area," he said.

Last week, the deadly virus was found in a dead wild duck in northern France.

Mr Drew said the risk of the virus reaching Britain's shores would depend on the weather.

"It is possible that in eastern France migratory birds could move in this direction - but it's a case of seeing what happens with the weather."

The Wildfowl and Wetlands trust at Slimbridge also remain alert to signs of the virus and is assisting Defra in its European surveillance programme.

Peter Cranswick, head of waterbird monitoring, said the chance of the virus reaching Britain is still low despite the recent cases in Germany and France as most birds will soon migrate to Eastern Europe and Russia to breed.

He added: "Avian influenza remains essentially a disease of poultry and deaths of wild birds are still comparatively rare."

Members of the public who see unusual deaths of wild birds should call the Defra helpline on 08459 335577.