Avian Influenza

Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to be able to establish the cause of the recent H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in East Anglia.

Jonathan Shaw
A full epidemiological investigation is under way to consider the source of this outbreak, including tracings of any possible disease spread. At present, it is too early to draw any conclusions about the source of the outbreak, and all potential sources of infection are being investigated.

A preliminary epidemiological report is being prepared and will be published shortly.