Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting mainly chickens, turkeys ducks and other birds.  To download an information sheet produced by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) please use the link to "DEFRA - avian influenza information sheet". 

While avian influenza caused by highly pathogenic virus strains have sometimes been shown to infect man it should not be confused with human influenza, a common human disease. However, avian influenza under certain circumstances could pose a threat to humans.  Further information from DEFRA is available through the link to "DEFRA - HPAI".
 
The Department of Health's emergency policy and guidance notes are available from their website and can be accessed through the link on the right.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious disease of birds caused by a para-myxo virus. Birds affected by this disease are fowls, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, guinea fowl and other wild and captive birds, including ratites such ostriches, emus and rhea. DEFRA's fact sheet on this disease can be found at the link below.
 
On 15 July 2005 an outbreak of newcastle disease (ND) was confirmed in pheasants on a premises in Surrey.
 
Following the out break DEFRA have published a number of declaratory orders and information on the outbreak which can be accessed at DEFRA - declaratory orders through the link on the right.

Cambridgeshire Trading Standards Service has a statutory duty to enforce legislation relating to the diseases of poultry. It also is a requirement of any keeper of poultry who suspects that it may be infected with notifiable disease to report to State Veterinary Service

DEFRA have also issued biosecurity guidance for poultry keepers.

The Health Protection Agency website provides information for anyone who may be concerned about the implications of avian influenza on human health.