The outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza at the Bernard Matthews turkey producing and processing plant in Suffolk may have been caused by infected consignments of poultry meat from their operations in Hungary.

"Fortunately, the outbreak of H5N1 in Suffolk appears to be an isolated case," said Anna Bassett, the Soil Association's poultry specialist. "Tests indicate that the H5N1 strain found in Suffolk may be identical to that found in Hungary in the previous most recent outbreak in Europe. Defra investigations suggest that the most likely cause of the outbreak was the transportation of diseased poultry products from Hungary, rather than any incursion by migratory birds."

Defra's statement, based on scientific testing, puts the spotlight firmly back on industrial-scale globally-traded intensive poultry production, despite claims that the unit was one the most biosecure, intensive poultry plants in the UK.

The Soil Association is advising organic poultry producers to remain on high alert for any signs of disease in their flocks. "All organic poultry farmers should take this opportunity to review their biosecurity procedures and make sure they have a plan in place as to what they would do if there were any further outbreaks," Anna Basset advised.

Defra established a protection zone of 3km radius and a surveillance zone of 10km around the premises, in which movement is restricted and poultry must be isolated from wild birds. A wider restricted zone (2,090 km2) has also been imposed, covering east Suffolk and south east Norfolk, bounded to the west and the north by the A140 and A47 respectively.

» Latest information from Defra and see a map of the restricted area

For information on biosecurity precautions and advice on how to isolate your birds (if you were required to):
» read the Soil Association advice if birds must be kept in house
» call the food and farming department on 0117 914 2400
» read Defra's advice on biosecurity and bringing birds indoors