# 2043
Earlier today there was an unconfirmed report of an outbreak of H7 bird flu in Banbury, Oxfordshire. At approximately 1pm EDT the wire services were reporting that Defra had confirmed the outbreak.
While the H7 strain of bird flu is considered less pathogenic than the H5 strain, it has been known to cause illness in humans as well as birds. Last year at least 4 people tested positive for the H7N2 virus after an outbreak in Wales.
This report from the Oxford Mail.
By Ellie Simmonds
The Government has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu near Banbury.
The Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said preliminary tests on chickens at a premises near the town were positive for the H7 strain.
All birds on the premises will be slaughtered as a precautionary measure.
A temporary control zone is being established around the infected premises.
A Government spokesman said all birds must be housed or otherwise isolated from contact with wild birds in the zone.
Defra is urgently considering whether any wider measures may be needed.
Mr Gibbens said: "I would stress the need for poultry keepers to be extremely vigilant, practice the highest levels of biosecurity and report any suspicions of disease to their local Animal Health Office immediately."
