Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect birds and some mammals. There are many different strains of bird flu virus. Most bird flu strains only cause mild symptoms in birds. However, some strains, such as H5N1 and H7N9, can cause serious disease and death in domestic poultry, and can also infect humans.
Current Situation in the UK
There have been several outbreaks of bird flu in the UK in recent years. Currently, there is an ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in poultry and wild birds across Great Britain. This strain is highly contagious among birds and has a high mortality rate. It was first detected in the UK in October 2021. Since then, there have been over 200 cases confirmed on commercial farms, smallholdings, captive birds, and in wild birds across England, Wales and Scotland.
The key affected regions include Norfolk, Lancashire, Cumbria, Devon, Dorset, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Hampshire and Anglesey. The vast majority of cases have been in captive or domestic birds, however a small number of cases have also been found in wild birds. The main species affected so far are turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, partridges and pheasants.
Government Rules and Restrictions
To control the spread of bird flu, the UK government has put in place a Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the whole of Great Britain. This means all bird keepers (whether commercial flocks or small backyard flocks) must follow strict biosecurity measures by law. These rules include:
- Keeping domestic birds separate from wild birds
- Only allowing essential personnel access to areas with birds
- Disinfecting clothing, equipment and vehicles
- Changing clothing/footwear before entering bird enclosures
- Cleaning and disinfecting housing between flocks
- Restricting access for non-essential visitors
There are also regional restrictions in place in high risk areas which place even tighter controls on the movement and housing of poultry and captive birds.
Housing orders
In high risk areas, all bird keepers are required by law to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. This includes commercial flocks as well as back yard flocks. There are some limited exceptions which allow access to outdoor areas in certain lower risk situations.
Biosecurity and record keeping
Strict biosecurity must be implemented at all sites. Full records must also be kept of poultry, captive birds and egg movements. Movements of poultry, eggs and manure are restricted in certain areas.
Surveillance
Increased surveillance is in place, requiring all bird keepers to report suspicion of disease to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and to register their birds so they can be monitored and tested. Testing of dead wild birds is also ongoing.
Risk to Humans
The risk to the general public’s health from the H5N1 outbreak is very low. While it can infect people, human cases are extremely rare and usually only occur with close, direct and prolonged contact with infected birds. There have been no human cases related to this current avian flu outbreak in the UK. However, people should avoid touching sick, dying or dead birds, and follow proper hygiene precautions when handling backyard or commercial poultry flocks.
Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk is considered very low for people who are not in regular close contact with infected birds. The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk.
Prevention
Here are some key steps the public can take to help prevent the spread of bird flu:
- Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds
- Keep a distance from wild waterfowl and avoid feeding wild birds
- Cleanse and disinfect footwear and clothing if you visited an area with infected birds
- Do not bring any captive or domestic birds into contact with wild birds
- Maintain high levels of biosecurity if you keep poultry or birds
- Report any sick or dead birds to the APHA
Following the government’s housing orders, biosecurity rules and hygiene precautions remains critical to minimize the spread of avian influenza. The public play an important role and following the guidance will reduce the risk to domestic and commercial flocks.
Conclusion
The UK is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. Widespread control measures are in place to restrict poultry movements, house birds, improve biosecurity, and increase surveillance. The public health risk remains very low, but people should still avoid contact with sick, dying or dead birds as a precaution. Following government biosecurity orders, maintaining cleanliness, and reporting any dead birds will help control this bird flu outbreak.
