What is H5N1? There are 15 types of avian flu. The H5N1 strain is linked to at least 164 human fatalities, mainly in Asia

How is it spread? Migratory wildfowl carry the virus but are unlikely to develop an infection. Domestic birds are more susceptible

What is the risk to humans? The first human infection by bird flu was in Hong Kong in 1997, but the chance of contracting the disease is very low. Those working with infected meat are at greatest risk. The virus is also in faeces, which – dried and crushed – can be inhaled

What are the symptoms? Victims suffer respiratory problems, a swollen head, loss of appetite and reduced fertility. The mortality rate is about 60% and death can be sudden: victims drown as their lungs fill with fluid

Is there a vaccine? No. Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, are being stockpiled to combat the disease but some H5N1 strains show signs of immunity.

Can I still eat turkey and other poultry? Yes, bird flu is not a food-borne virus but the World Health Organisation recommends all meat be cooked to 70C. Eggs should also be thoroughly cooked

Have infected turkeys entered the food chain? No, according to Bernard Matthews. The birds infected at Holton, Suffolk, were all from the same batch and were stored in an enclosed shed a day after being hatched. The birds were four weeks away from slaughter

Will supermarkets still stock turkey products? Sainsbury’s will not source any more poultry or eggs from the infected area but Bernard Matthews products will not be removed as they are not from the infected birds

Will poultry exports be banned? Only exports from the exclusion zone have been banned by the EU.

Are schools taking any action? There were no plans last night to remove turkey from school menus but the education department does advise schools not to buy eggs for hatching chicks in in the event of an outbreak

How likely is a bird flu pandemic? Scientists fear H5N1 could mix with human flu and mutate to spread between people. If it does, the global death toll could be 50m

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