Turkeys test negative for bird flu

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Poultry on Grove Farm in Botesdale, Suffolk, were slaughtered on suspicion of having the disease after dozens of birds were found dead by officials.

The premises is within the 3km (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.

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 culls were taking place because of fears they had been exposed to the virus through workers.

The cull at Grove Farm was then upgraded to a "slaughter on suspicion" after around 30 turkeys were found dead by veterinary officials.

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, on Friday 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.