A British farmer sounds optimistic

Via the Suffolk Evening Star: Bird flu: farmers' worrying times. Excerpt:

Although the bird flu outbreak is miles away on the other side of Suffolk, these are worrying times for specialist poultry farmers like Robert Baker.

Mr Baker has 1,000 turkeys at New Hall Farm, Crowfield.

At this time of the year he is busy taking orders and preparing to finish fattening them up in the run-up to Christmas.

Today he remains optimistic that his flock will not be affected by avian flu and said he has been impressed by the way DEFRA have dealt with the crisis.

He said: “They seem to have learned from previous disasters and got things right this time by sealing everything off once the disease was suspected.

“It doesn't seem to have spread, except to a farm that is part of the same operation as where it first broke out, and it has not been found in any wild birds.”

Mr Baker does not have any birds loose in the open - his flock is kept in special sheds with mesh sides to prevent wild animals, including birds, from mixing with them.

“We've got the best of both worlds - shelter and protection from wildlife but natural light and ventilation.

“Everyone in the industry has to be very careful at the moment, but I am hopeful that the actions that were taken will contain this outbreak.”