Downing Street Says

Asked if people should be worried about bird flu, the PMOS replied that it was common sense that as the incidences of bird flu on the Continent moved closer to the UK, so the level of concern increased. We recognised that, and that was why DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) had issued new guidance to poultry farmers that they should prepare plans to bring their flocks inside.

It was still not inevitable that bird flu would come to the UK, but clearly the risk must be higher today than it was. What we had to do, therefore, was to be sensible about it. If people looked at the overall balance of expert opinions, and as the UK Veterinary Association had said today, we were doing what we should be doing.

5 Comments »

"It was still not inevitable that bird flu would come to the UK"

what?

I’ve got more chance of being struck by lightning at the same time as winning the Euro millions jackpot than the odds of Bird Flu not reaching the UK.

How dim is this particular PMOS?
Comment by Roger Huffadine — 20 Feb 2006 on 6:18 pm | Link
It’s only a matter of time before a DEFRA minister appears on TV wrapping their gnashers around a Kentucky Fried, the smell of flame grilled farm chicken wafts in great clouds over the countryside, the amazing discovery is made that 60000000000 dead chickens buried on top of underground watercourses creates pollution and compensation-fat farmers start forming disorderly queues in Range Rover showrooms.
Comment by Mr Pooter — 23 Feb 2006 on 11:37 am | Link
Today is 6th April and we have Bird Flu in the UK

The infected Swan was found 8 Days ago so only 4 and a bit weeks after the ‘not inevitable’ statement.

I hope the PMOS gets as much flack as is deserved for the stupid comments made on 20th Feb.

Now we just have to wait to see which politician feeds chicken to their grandchildren for the cameras.
Comment by Roger Huffadine — 6 Apr 2006 on 5:40 pm | Link
I’m stocking up on Range Rovers.

Bye the bye, how come there’s only 1 case when the dead swan is an indigenous variety? Have I missed something?
Comment by Mr Pooter — 7 Apr 2006 on 11:02 am | Link
A really good epidemic, carrying off all these bothersome pensioners and disabled people, and sink-estate dwellers -indeed anyone who is tiresomely poor; wouldn’t that be good?

As it say in the good book: Not the slightest sparrow fall without your heavenly father, Tony, him know of it. Amen
Comment by john the revelator — 8 Apr 2006 on 1:32 am | Link

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» Monday, February 20, 2006

Bird Flu

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