As a precaution, pupils in Years 5 and 6 at Ysgol Henllan, Denbighshire, are offered tamiflu to protect them from the very slight risk of infection with the H7 virus.
This precautionary action has been taken because a child in Year 5, linked to the smallholding near Corwen, is believed to have avian flu. The child is responding to treatment at home.
Twelve children and two teachers have been identified as being in prolonged close contact with the child in the classroom on the days when there was a very small risk of the child being infectious. The parents of each child are being contacted by staff at the National Public Health Service for Wales.
Only these children and staff have been offered tamiflu, an antiviral medication which reduces the severity of any impact of the infection.
Dr Brendan Mason, a consultant epidemiologist with the National Public Health Service for Wales, said, ?This is an unusual step for us to take because the risk of the infection being passed from the child to other pupils is so small. However, this particular virus usually only affects birds and is relatively unknown in humans. Its clinical characteristics have not been fully defined.
?It is very rare to see this particular flu virus so we are taking every reasonable precaution to eliminate it from the community.
?There are 58 pupils in the school, but none of the others have been in close contact and do not need any treatment. However, we realise that this incident may cause anxieties for parents of all children in the school. We are contacting all the parents by letter to invite them to meet with Public Health and Education Officials at 5pm on Monday 28 May and also 5pm on Tuesday 29 May.
?From a public health perspective, the school will be safe to reopen as normal after the half term break. The risk of avian flu to the public is low.?
People with specific concerns about their health should contact their GP as usual.
A Special Helpline available for general information about avian flu in people is open from 7am to 8pm daily. The number is 0845 600 3678.