GOVERNMENT officials today moved to reassure the public that the risks from an outbreak of the potentially deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu were “negligible”.

GOVERNMENT officials today moved to reassure the public that the risks from an outbreak of the potentially deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu were “negligible”.

Maria Zambon of the Health Protection Agency said: “Bird flu doesn't transmit easily to humans and human disease occurs as a result of direct contact with poultry. There is no confirmed information worldwide about transmission of bird

flu through food.”

She said workers at the farm had been offered prophylaxis such as Tamiflu, and those culling the birds were also being offered the drugs and wearing protective clothing.