During his visit Mr Wallace met with members of the Operations Team who have been helping deal with the outbreak. As well as hearing what officials were doing to ensure the outbreak doesn't spread elsewhere in Lancashire the local MP explored what more could be done to help local poultry farmers and business that will be facing severe financial problems because of animal health restrictions.
After the visit Ben Wallace said, "Everyone at here at the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Barton are working round the clock to contain this outbreak. I met vets and civil servants from all over the UK who have come to help. It is very important at this stage that all Government Agencies, Farmers and Agricultural Associations work together to limit the impacts of Avian Flu. I congratulate the NFU and all other bodies and agencies involved, who are all playing their part."
Reflecting on the impact this has on farmers in his constituency Mr Wallace said:
"I have pressed for further help for our farmers. Movement restrictions and licensing regimes make it very hard for them to survive as businesses. I was pleased to see that all involved have a real sense of urgency to get this outbreak cleaned up."