IMPORTING live birds has been banned following the outbreak of avian flu at a Suffolk turkey farm. The Commerce and Employment Department said the ban was a temporary precaution that should not unduly disrupt trade.

Agriculture and environment adviser Andrew Casebow said that the department was adopting a prudent and cautious approach and the States veterinary officer would keep the situation under review.

‘The department is in regular contact with the UK authorities and the situation will be reconsidered when further information is available,’ he said.

Mr Casebow said the outbreak was a disease of birds and avian flu should not be confused with pandemic flu.

Guernsey’s director of public health Dr David Jeffs has emphasised that the threat to humans was negligible and there was no need to ban the importation of poultry, meat or eggs.

All poultry owners registered with the department would be written to in the next 24 hours with details of the situation and with reminders that they should be observing good biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

These include isolating poultry from other birds and wild birds, providing food and water for them indoors only to reduce the risk of contamination and avoiding transporting birds around the island.

Owners of free-range poultry should consider measures that could be taken to house birds in the event of an outbreak in southern England or northern France.

* Business continuity company MSD International has been briefing major companies in the UK and Guernsey in the understanding of risks posed by avian influenza. Subject to demand, MSD will hold an open workshop to teach the full implications of the threat with specific reference to local conditions. It will cost £100 per delegate. Contact Richard.brache@msdinternational.com.