Avian influenza (avian flu) An infectious disease affecting birds caused by the influenza A virus. Birds host a variety of influenza A virus subtypes, especially waterfowl and coastal birds. All birds are susceptible to avian influenza A, and the virus can rapidly cause significant mortality in flocks, but some bird species show more severe clinical signs than others.
Influenza A viruses found in birds are not well adapted to infecting humans, and human infections by avian influenza viruses are rare. However, some subtypes, such as A(H5N1) or A(H7N9), are associated with human disease, usually in people who have been directly exposed to infected birds or animals.
Over the past few years, certain viruses have come to dominate avian infections internationally. Influenza A(H5N1). Animal outbreaks have occurred among mink and marine mammals worldwide and are currently spreading among dairy cattle in the United States. In the United States, many human cases have occurred in people working on farms with infected cattle. A(H5N1) and A(H5N5) were detected in both wild and farmed birds in the UK last year. There are many different types of influenza A (H5N1), and the genotypes in the UK are different from those prevalent in the US.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans vary. Most human infections in the United States have been mild, and symptoms of conjunctivitis (redness, pain, and discharge) are common. However, infection can be serious, and many individuals in the United States and other countries (e.g., Cambodia) have experienced severe illness.
Almost all cases of A(H5N1) virus infection in humans are associated with close contact with infected live or dead birds, mammals, or contaminated environments. Influenza A(H5N1) continues to infect new mammalian hosts (from foxes, otters, and seals to cattle), increasing the opportunity for the virus to evolve.
The concern is that the virus may evolve further at some point, becoming better adapted to infecting people and spreading between people. We are therefore alert to and continually review any evidence of changes in risk levels. Although the latest evidence suggests that the current risk to the UK population from avian influenza remains very low.
How are we protecting ourselves? A human with avian flu?
UKHSA Department of Animal and Plant Health (APHA), Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and public health agencies The Granite City, wales and Northern Ireland Monitors the risk that new influenza viruses pose to human health. We are also working closely with partners around the world to learn more about international examples to inform the UK’s preparedness plans.
Our surveillance and diagnostic expertise, combined with our genome sequencing capabilities, is critical to the early detection, assessment and response to emerging health and biosecurity threats, such as avian influenza.
Working with APHA, we aim to monitor circulating avian viruses, detect potential human avian influenza cases early, assess risks to human health, and scale up the public health response where necessary. Our work contributes to the following initiatives: WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response SystemHelping the world detect and respond to potentially pandemic new influenza viruses.
We typically see more avian influenza found in wild birds in the fall and winter, and an increased risk to poultry and other captive birds associated with migratory patterns in waterfowl and environmental conditions that are more favorable for virus survival.
How is bird flu monitored in the UK?
We are working with the NHS to ensure that patients in intensive care with severe acute respiratory infection or influenza-like illness can be tested for respiratory viruses, including influenza.
UKHSA Public Health Laboratories and Influenza Reference Laboratories carry out additional testing on samples that test positive for influenza A but where normal seasonal influenza is not detected to ensure that the detection is not due to avian influenza.
Monitoring these samples is an important mechanism for early detection of avian influenza and new influenza viruses. For example November 2023 A new human case of influenza A(H1N2)v has been identified. Something like this.
People who develop avian influenza infection can become seriously ill, so intensive care units are a good place for disease surveillance. This work fits into a wider surveillance program alongside existing standard public health processes where people exposed to birds with avian influenza are monitored and followed up by the UKHSA health protection team.
vaccination
The standard seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against avian influenza. However, it is still important for people who are eligible to get the seasonal flu vaccine to protect them from serious illness caused by the flu that circulates each winter.
As part of our long-term preparedness plan, The government has purchased more than 5 million doses of the H5 influenza vaccine. Just in case these measures become necessary in a pandemic scenario.
What should I do if I find a sick or dead bird?
Keep your distance from wild birds as much as possible.
There are many reasons why wild birds may appear dead or sick, but not all dead or sick wild birds are infected with avian influenza. Some birds show no signs of avian influenza infection, so it is not always possible to know whether a bird was infected with avian influenza or died. Avian influenza is not commonly found in small garden birds.
If you cannot avoid handling dead or sick garden birds in your home or other dwelling, you should check UKHSA’s guidance and Defra’s guidance on how to reduce the risk of avian influenza infection. Dispose of dead wild birds that do not require monitoring..
If you want to take your bird to a veterinarian or animal welfare organization, call ahead and follow their instructions. This protects other birds and animals in the training center or rehabilitation center. In some cases, humane euthanasia by a veterinarian may be the best option for the bird’s welfare.
In the UK, the public is encouraged to report the discovery of dead wild birds using: Online reporting system Alternatively, call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Reporting dead wild birds helps Defra and APHA understand the risks of avian influenza and other diseases to different species of wild birds, and also supports UKHSA’s understanding of the risks to humans. Additional information APHA surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds You can find it in their instructions.
more Information about how Defra and APHA monitor avian influenza virus infection in wild birds and wild mammals You can find this in the guidance on GOV.UK.
What should I do if I think I may have been exposed to avian flu?
If exposed to avian influenza Local health protection team Assess and monitor you and give you advice on any tests or treatment you may need.
