§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health under what circumstances avian influenza in poultry can be contracted by humans; what strains of avian influenza can be contracted by humans; and if he will make a statement. [151961]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 30 January 2004]: Avian flu infection occurs rarely in humans and is usually caught through direct contact with infected chickens or contaminated objects, via the respiratory route or hand/face contact.
Since 1996, the H7N7, H5N1 and H9N2 avian strains have been found in humans.
§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what work is being undertaken to develop a vaccine for the protection of susceptible persons from infection by the avian influenza virus. [152176]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonPrototype viruses for vaccine production are being prepared by laboratories in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Influenza Network. Once these prototype viruses are available they will be supplied to manufacturers as the "seed stock" for vaccine production.
The United Kingdom is an active participant in the WHO network through the Health Protection Agency National Influenza Reference Laboratory, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control and the WHO Influenza Collaborating Laboratory at the National Institute of Medical Research.