Current News

Bird flu – what can churches do?

All churches in the affected area of Suffolk are being asked to send a postcard to poultry farmers in their villages, especially those in the restricted area as well as those in the 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones. People will be encouraged to write a message of support on the postcard as well as listing local phone numbers farmers can ring for support and the National Helpline number for Farm Crisis Network – 07002 326 326. If the problems persist churches will be asked to send a weekly postcard to poultry farmers in their area.

More information about Avian flu can be found on the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm
There is also Defra helpline which can be used to report dead birds including wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans; groups of dead birds and to provide advice on Avian flu for anyone who is concerned:
DEFRA Helpline 08459 33 55 77 and choose the Avian Influenza option. It will be open from 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. Be aware that there will be people concerned by a possible outbreak of avian flu and particularly those who are worrying about their livelihood.
2. Help people be informed. The Defra website is updated regularly, and is a source of much information about the virus.
3. Make the helpline numbers available. The Farming Help numbers can be put in obvious places in your churches/newsletters/bulletins - 07002 326 326.
4. Advertise the new DERFRA line to report suspicious dead birds.
5. Reassure people that, so far, that there is no evidence to suggest the strain of virus concerned can generally be passed from human to human. However there is a very small risk that it can be passed from bird to human, so encourage people to be aware of the biosecurity issues when and if it becomes necessary
6. Continue to eat eggs and other poultry! There is no evidence yet of danger to human beings from eating chicken, pheasant etc. or eggs. There is some concern that a downturn in consumer demand for these products will affect the poultry industry which is worth £1.6billion to the British economy, and which employs thousands of people from those who rear birds to those who process them for the table! One way of showing support to the farming community would be to visit your local Farmers Market speak to stallholders and buy from them!
7. Encourage people not to panic at this stage, but to be informed.

A Prayer about Bird Flu
Heavenly Father, you are the creator of the world, through you all things have their being, in you we live and move. In the world we sometimes face dangers which threaten our health and our prosperity. Give us we pray, the benefit of your Holy Spirit that our response to the present danger of Avian Flu may be sufficient, wise, timely and effective. We pray for those whose livelihood is threatened by the danger of Avian Flu, and for those who are anxious or afraid at this time. In the name of your Son, our redeemer, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen