Dead turkeys did not have bird flu

Last Modified: 16 Nov 2007
Source: ITN

Turkeys found dead on a farm in Suffolk have tested negative for bird flu, the flock's owners have said.

Grove Farm in Botesdale lies within the two-mile protection zone which was set up around Redgrave Park farm after the deadly H5N1 strain was found in turkeys there earlier this week.

Poultry was slaughtered on Grove Farm after dozens of birds were found dead by officials.

But Redgrave Poultry, which operates both sites, said the 30 birds tested for bird flu after they were found dead did not have the virus.

Operations director Geoffrey Buchanan said no evidence of bird flu had been found at three other sites operated by the company in the wider restricted area where precautionary culls are under way.

All four premises share staff with Redgrave Park and it had been feared the culled birds may have been exposed to the virus through workers.

Mr Buchanan said: "Defra has confirmed that the culling of all the birds at Grove Farm is now complete.

"It has also informed us that the 30 dead turkeys, which rightly resulted in a raising of the status to slaughter on suspicion, have tested negative for avian influenza."

Mr Buchanan said Defra began culling birds at Hill Meadow Farm, Knettishall, Suffolk, this morning and would be starting culls at Stone House, West Harling, Norfolk, and Bridge Farm, Pulham, Norfolk, later.

"To date, Defra's tests have shown no evidence of avian influenza at any of the five farms other than Redgrave Park," he said.

A Defra spokeswoman said they were unable to confirm if the birds had tested negative until all the results were in.

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