Avian influenza epidemiology report published 17th June 2008
Defra has today published an epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.

The report concludes that, at the time of writing (11 June), the outbreak is confined to a single premises, and there is no evidence of infection in the Protection Zone or of spread to any other premises. However, investigations continue.

The report suggests that it is possible that the Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian influenza derived from a Low Pathogenic strain already present on the farm, analysis and investigations are ongoing, and a number of source hypotheses are being considered.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said

“The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of Avian Influenza, and the report highlights the need for flock owners and poultry vets to remain vigilant for signs of disease, including the possibility of low pathogenic Avian Influenza. I would encourage all keepers to maintain good quality records and practise high standards of biosecurity.”

The Protection and Surveillance Zones remain in place. Further surveillance, testing and epidemiological work on this outbreak are ongoing.

MSF Outages

The MSF Annual Maintenance Periods for 2008 and 2009

The MSF 60 kHz standard-frequency and time signal, broadcast by VT Communications on behalf of NPL, is occasionally taken off-air to allow maintenance work on the masts and antennas at Anthorn Radio Station to be carried out in safety.

The dates and times of the scheduled maintenance periods for 2008 and 2009 are as follows:

12 June 2008 from 10:00 BST to 14:00 BST
11 September 2008 from 10:00 BST to 14:00 BST
11 December 2008 from 10:00 UTC to 14:00 UTC
12 March 2009 from 10:00 UTC to 14:00 UTC
11 June 2009 from 10:00 BST to 14:00 BST
10 September 2009 from 10:00 BST to 14:00 BST
10 December 2009 from 10:00 UTC to 14:00 UTC

The duration of each outage period will be kept to a minimum, and the signal may be back on-air prior to the times given above.

In addition to these dates, the signal is likely to be taken off-air for a 2-day period during July or August each year, remaining off-air overnight.

Unscheduled Breaks in the Service

Short unscheduled breaks in transmission occur occasionally in addition to the scheduled breaks for maintenance. NPL provides a recorded message service, tel: +44 20 8943 6493, which announces planned maintenance periods and, during working hours, prolonged unscheduled outages. Contact NPL for further information.

If you wish to be kept informed about planned outages, please complete and submit the E-mailed Notifications of Scheduled Maintenance Periods form on the National Physical Laboratory website www.npl.co.uk