In a press release, the company defined that bird-to-human transmission of the illness is “uncommon” and has beforehand occurred a small variety of occasions within the UK.
The birds have been contaminated with the DI.2 genotype, one of many viruses recognized to be circulating in birds within the UK this season, based on the well being company. That is completely different to strains circulating amongst mammals and birds within the US.
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, stated: “The danger of avian flu to most of the people stays very low regardless of this confirmed case. We now have strong programs in place to detect instances early and take vital motion, as we all know that spillover infections from birds to people might happen.
“At the moment, there isn’t any proof of onwards transmission from this case.
“Persons are reminded to not contact sick or useless birds and it’s essential that they comply with Defra recommendation about reporting any suspected avian influenza instances.”
The UKHSA stated it had been tracing all people who’ve been involved with the confirmed case, and that these at highest danger of publicity had been provided antiviral therapy.
Nevertheless, the virus can be transmissible to mammals, together with people, and it may be deadly in some instances.
So what’s bird flu and what do we have to know concerning the newest outbreak?
What’s hen flu and the way is it transmitted?
Fowl flu (or H5N1 kind A virus) is an infectious virus generally unfold amongst birds via saliva, secretions, and faeces.
It may well make birds sick, significantly these in captivity, and it may additionally kill the bird.
Wild birds, together with waterfowl (swans, geese, geese), can carry and transmit the virus with out displaying proof of illness, based on Paul Walton, head of habitats and species at RSPBS Cotland.
The Division for Setting, Meals and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe through the winter months can carry the illness and this could result in instances in poultry and different captive birds.
The virus may also unfold to different mammals after they eat the contaminated birds and, when this occurs, it’s known as influenza of avian origin.
People can contract hen flu from contaminated animals if the virus is inhaled or will get into somebody’s eyes. It’s typically regarded suitable for eating chickens so long as the meat is cooked correctly.
How do you notice hen flu?
There are two varieties of avian influenza, with extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) being the extra severe kind. It’s typically deadly in birds.
Among the medical indicators of HPAI in birds embody sudden and fast improve within the variety of birds discovered useless, a number of birds affected in the identical shed or air area, a swollen head, closed and excessively watery eyes, head and physique tremoring, drooping of the wings and/or dragging of legs, twisting of the pinnacle and neck, and swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles.
Chickens at Leicestershire-based egg producer Dawn Poultry Farms taking part in with a soccer whereas they’re caught indoors through the hen flu lockdown
PA Media
Different indicators embody haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and below the pores and skin of the neck, lack of urge for food or marked lower in feed consumption, sudden improve or lower in water consumption, respiratory misery, sneezing, noticeable improve in physique temperature, discoloured or free watery droppings, and cessation or marked discount in egg manufacturing.
What’s the danger to the general public?
Persons are suggested to not contact or decide up any useless or sick birds that they discover and as a substitute report them to the related helpline.
Is it nonetheless okay to feed birds in your backyard?
The RSPB stated everybody ought to take care to take care of good hygiene when feeding backyard birds, and in addition advisable “commonly cleansing feeders exterior with gentle disinfectant, eradicating previous hen meals, spacing out feeders as a lot as potential, and washing your palms”.
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss stated individuals who hold chickens and wish to feed wild birds want to verify all the things is stored “scrupulously clear” and “completely separate” to keep away from infecting their very own flocks.
What do you have to do for those who see a sick or injured hen?
The RSPB stated if individuals discover any useless waterfowl, any gulls or birds of prey, or 5 or extra of every other species in a single place, they need to report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 or in Northern Eire to DAERA on 0300 200 7840.
The RSPB additionally advises that individuals who dwell in bird-flu areas ought to hold their canines on a lead, because the virus could be handed to pets.
