To date, available evidence from human cases of H5N1 indicates that no sustained human-to-human transmission has occurred. As a result, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) pandemic alert remains at Phase 3 (of 6 Phases). An explanation of the phases of alert can be found on the WHO website

Avian Influenza

DCMS is working closely with VisitBritain and other tourism and heritage organisations to ensure that the public is given accurate and balanced advice about access to the countryside and rural visitor sites in the event of an AI outbreak.

Visitors and the industry should be reassured that AI is very different to "foot and mouth" disease, with the response largely confined to the locality of the outbreak. The vast majority of visitor attractions, rights of way and access to public and open country are entirely unaffected. It is safe to visit a place with birds.

Further information on Influenza is available on the Defra website.

• 30 August 2007 - Department of Health, Cabinet Office and the Health Protection Agency have published a report outlining the lessons identified following Exercise Winter Willow.

• 16 March 2007 - Department of Health has published a revised document setting out the government strategic aims for responding to an influenza pandemic. Department of Health are seeking comments on the Plan and stakeholders should respond as directed in the paper
  
  
• 3 February 2007
  An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (the H5N1 strain) was confirmed at a turkey farm in at Holton, near Lowestoft, Suffolk, England.

  The Surveillance and Restriction Zones surrounding the infected premises imposed by the State Veterinary Servic were lifted on 12 March and specific control restrictions removed.
  

• 18 August 2006 - The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has prepared a risk assessment on the risk from avian influenza to visitors to public parks and open waters.

 

Last Update - 04 September 2007