Warden Messages
07 April 2006
Warden Message from U.S. Embassy London
On 6 April 2006, the Scottish Executive stated that tests from the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) have confirmed that the sample from a swan found dead in Fife on March 29 did contain the H5N1 avian flu virus. Excerpts from the Scottish Executive’s statement follow (read the entire text at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/04/06100430).
“Scottish and UK officials are undertaking an urgent veterinary risk assessment and consulting ornithological experts to consider the specific circumstances of this case and determine the level of any risk it may pose to poultry and other kept birds.”
“The CVOs (Chief Veterinary Officers) say there is no reason for public health concern; avian influenza is a disease of birds and while it can pass very rarely and with difficulty, to humans this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.”
“…if other dead wild birds were found in the area they would be sent for laboratory tests. The public should not pick up any dead birds but should instead report them to the police or through a special hotline- 08459 33 55 77.”
“…the countryside remained open and there was no need for the public to restrict their movements.”
Americans visiting and living in the United Kingdom wishing to know more about Avian Flu may click on the Department of State’s Avian Flu Fact Sheet page: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html. The Fact Sheet includes links to Avian Flu information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Embassy urges all Americans in the United Kingdom to monitor these websites as they are updated with current and accurate information.
For the latest travel and safety information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at http://london.usembassy.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on safety conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
You may also reach the U.S. Embassy in London at (020) 7499-9000 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. GMT.
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