A VET involved in dealing with the outbreak of bird flu in Suffolk has been admitted to hospital, it emerged tonight.The Health Protection Agency refused to confirm the identity of the patient but said he was suffering from a 'mild respiratory illness'.

A VET involved in dealing with the outbreak of bird flu in Suffolk has been admitted to hospital, it emerged tonight.

The Health Protection Agency refused to confirm the identity of the patient but said he was suffering from a “mild respiratory illness”.

Tests are currently being carried out to find the cause of the illness, with investigations including whether it is the H5N1 strain of avian flu, which infected the farm in Holton where the vet had worked.

But an HPA spokesman said: "It is highly unlikely the worker has been exposed to H5N1 because of the strict precautionary measures followed. The individual had not been pre-exposed and was wearing full protective clothing."

For full story, see Wednesday's EADT.