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Prayer for all affected by the Avian Influenza outbreak in Norfolk and Suffolk
Creator God,

We pray for all those who are facing more uncertain and anxious days waiting for news following the confirmation of Avian Influenza in our region. We pray too for those whose work and living is suddenly taken from them, and for those who are deeply stressed by yet another terrible setback.

We pray for all who are working to support and help those involved, and those who are attempting to identify and contain this outbreak. Finally we pray for local churches whose members will be supporting their local poultry farmers in their anxiety. Lord hear our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen

Presence
See how 'Presence' is being put into action around the country.

Response to Avian Flu
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 a 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 can you help?

Be aware that there will be people concerned by a possible outbreak of avian flu and particularly those who are worrying about their livelihoods.
Help people be informed. The DEFRA website is updated regularly and is a source of much information about the virus.
Make the helpline numbers available. The Farming Help number can be put in obvious places in your churches/newsletters/bulletins - 07002 326 326 or the RSIN: Helpline & Information Service - 024 7641 2916
Advertise the new DEFRA line to report suspicious dead birds.
Reassure people that, so far, 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.
Continue to eat eggs and other poultry! There is no evidence of danger to human beings from eating chicken, turkey, 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 �1.6 billion 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!
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 livelihoods are 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