Menu
22/02/2006
Government bird flu plans criticised
The government has been criticised for failing to stockpile supplies of a bird flu vaccine in preparation for a possible outbreak in Britain.
Patrick Holden, director of Soil Association, accused the government of a "dereliction of duty" for not stockpiling the vaccine.
Earlier this week, ministers said that the vaccines were too costly and doubts were also raised about the effectiveness of a vaccination programme.
However, Mr Holden said that every available method should be used to fight the deadly H5N1 virus. He said: "Whilst avian flu has not yet arrived in the UK, it remains a clear threat. I am dismayed that no action has been taken to secure sufficient stocks of the vaccine, should they be required.
"If we escape the disease winging its way in via wildfowl pushed westwards by unusually cold weather across Europe, we have a window to prepare for the greater likelihood of it coming in with the autumn migration - but action is required now to build up a vaccine bank."
EU officials are holding a second day of talks in Brussels to discuss whether to introduce a vaccination programme. France put forward the vaccination proposal last week, following the discovery of the first case of bird flu in the country. The proposal has been backed by the Netherlands, which was forced to slaughter 30 million birds following a bird flu outbreak there three years ago.
Bird flu has now been found in Greece, France, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany and Slovakia.
However, nine dead swans found in several areas in Britain last weekend tested negative for the disease.
In Germany, France and the Netherlands, farmers have been ordered to bring all poultry indoors. However, earlier this week Defra said that poultry would only be brought indoors in the UK if the virus was confirmed in Britain.
UK farmers were issued with new guidance this week, telling them to prepare to bring their flocks indoors within 24 hours of the virus being discovered in Britain.
Ninety-one people have died from avian flu since 2003. Most of those who died are believed to have contracted the disease from being in close contact with infected poultry.
However, experts fear that the virus could mutate into a form which passes easily between humans and could develop into a pandemic.
(KMcA/GB)
Patrick Holden, director of Soil Association, accused the government of a "dereliction of duty" for not stockpiling the vaccine.
Earlier this week, ministers said that the vaccines were too costly and doubts were also raised about the effectiveness of a vaccination programme.
However, Mr Holden said that every available method should be used to fight the deadly H5N1 virus. He said: "Whilst avian flu has not yet arrived in the UK, it remains a clear threat. I am dismayed that no action has been taken to secure sufficient stocks of the vaccine, should they be required.
"If we escape the disease winging its way in via wildfowl pushed westwards by unusually cold weather across Europe, we have a window to prepare for the greater likelihood of it coming in with the autumn migration - but action is required now to build up a vaccine bank."
EU officials are holding a second day of talks in Brussels to discuss whether to introduce a vaccination programme. France put forward the vaccination proposal last week, following the discovery of the first case of bird flu in the country. The proposal has been backed by the Netherlands, which was forced to slaughter 30 million birds following a bird flu outbreak there three years ago.
Bird flu has now been found in Greece, France, Slovenia, Italy, Austria, Germany and Slovakia.
However, nine dead swans found in several areas in Britain last weekend tested negative for the disease.
In Germany, France and the Netherlands, farmers have been ordered to bring all poultry indoors. However, earlier this week Defra said that poultry would only be brought indoors in the UK if the virus was confirmed in Britain.
UK farmers were issued with new guidance this week, telling them to prepare to bring their flocks indoors within 24 hours of the virus being discovered in Britain.
Ninety-one people have died from avian flu since 2003. Most of those who died are believed to have contracted the disease from being in close contact with infected poultry.
However, experts fear that the virus could mutate into a form which passes easily between humans and could develop into a pandemic.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
08 April 2010
Deal On Surplus Flu Vaccine
The Department of Health and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have reached an agreement on outstanding orders of the swine flu vaccine, which could provide significant savings for the Government.
Deal On Surplus Flu Vaccine
The Department of Health and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have reached an agreement on outstanding orders of the swine flu vaccine, which could provide significant savings for the Government.
19 October 2005
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
22 November 2010
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
Flu Experts Urge Patients To Have The Jab
People at risk of complications from seasonal flu are being reminded of the importance to get themselves protected by taking advantage of the annual free flu jabs. Experts are seeing that the rates of people taking advantage of the seasonal flu vaccine are slightly lower than at the same point in previous years.
24 February 2006
Government awards contracts for bird flu vaccine
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton has announced the award of contracts to Baxter and Chiron for supplies of around 3.5 million doses of H5N1 vaccine. The announcement was made as EU Health Ministers attended a special meeting in Vienna to take stock of recent events and discuss coordination action at European level.
Government awards contracts for bird flu vaccine
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton has announced the award of contracts to Baxter and Chiron for supplies of around 3.5 million doses of H5N1 vaccine. The announcement was made as EU Health Ministers attended a special meeting in Vienna to take stock of recent events and discuss coordination action at European level.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
