# 1248
Given the early reports that 10% of the birds in one shed had died overnight, it isn't too surprising that highly pathogenic avian flu was detected in today's tests.
Infected turkeys 'have deadly avian flu strain'
Valerie Elliott, Countryside Editor of The Times
Initial tests at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency suggest that free-range turkeys on a Suffolk farm are infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu which is potentially dangerous to humans.
Official confirmation about the strain is expected shortly in a statement from Fred Landeg, acting Government chief veterinary officer.
The move will send shockwaves to the poultry industry in East Anglia where millions of birds are being reared for Christmas.
Government orders have already gone out for all free-range birds for meat and eggs in Suffolk and part of Norfolk to be locked indoors to protect them from the fatal virus.
