The Soil Association has produced the following information on bird flu for UK organic poultry farmers: Avian influenza update - January 2008 On 10 January Defra confirmed Avian Influenza in three dead wild mute swans in the Chesil Beach area in Dorset, following positive test results from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1. These birds were found and tested following Defra's routine surveillance programme. A Wild Bird Control Area and Monitoring Area are being established around the premises, encompassing Chesil Beach and Portland Bill, and the shape of these is based on expert ornithological advice. Inside these areas bird keepers are required to house their birds or otherwise isolate them from contact with wild birds, bird movements will be restricted, and bird gatherings are banned. Defra is also working closely with ornithological and other experts to consider what wider measures may be needed. Further details can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu No disease has been found in domestic birds, and a programme of surveillance is being carried out in the local wild bird population. There will be no culling of wild birds because such action may disperse birds further and would not aid control. All poultry keepers on the GB Poultry Register are being notified. Further information Information is available from the Defra Helpline - 08459 33 55 77. Bird keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates on 0844 884 4600. Further details can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu To keep up to date with official information from Defra: » Go to www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu » Advice if birds must be kept in-house This provides organic poultry farmers with advice on what steps to take if Defra order birds to be kept in-house. » Advice to organic poultry producers This is essential reading for all organic poultry farmers. It includes steps on risk assessment and key symptoms (including colour pictures of infected birds). » The case for vaccination The Soil Association sees vaccination as a key strategy to protect public health and reduce the likelihood of wholesale confinement and culling of poultry. » The Soil Association's position statement This is an explanation of the Soil Association's position on bird flu, and includes discussion on the need for proportionate biosecurity measures and justification for the use of vaccination for poultry. Useful background information and references. » Avian influenza update - February 2007 An update on the outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza at the Bernard Matthews turkey producing and processing plant in Suffolk. » Avian influenza update - October 2006 An update on the mapping and modelling work that Defra has been doing and on the position for the potential use of vaccination for AI. » Latest press releases Read the latest press releases from the Soil Association at www.soilassociation.org/birdflu. This section also includes advice for consumers.