Everything to know about bird flu – from risks to symptoms
Bird flu has become a growing concern in the UK, with cases increasing among both wild and farmed birds in parts of the country.
The virus poses risks to poultry, farmers, and pet owners. Dr John Burke, Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health, explains the details of symptoms, their transmission, and whether they can be passed to humans.
Here’s everything you need to know about bird flu, how it spreads, and the current UK regulations in place to control it.
What is bird flu?
“Bird flu is a viral infection that is spread amongst birds. Bird flu predominantly occurs within birds. However, it can be contracted by humans who have close proximity to the virus," Dr Burke explains.
Recent outbreaks have severely impacted UK farms, with cases confirmed in commercial poultry near Hornsea, Yorkshire, leading to mandatory culling and strict containment zones.
The UK government has also enforced rigorous biosecurity measures, including mandatory housing orders, movement restrictions, and disinfection protocols to curb the spread.
How do birds get bird flu?
Dr Burke says: “Birds can contract bird flu from direct and indirect contact with the virus. Primarily, bird flu is contracted through contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions or droppings.”
What are the symptoms of bird flu in birds?
The key symptoms of bird flu are as follows:
Twisting of the head and/or neck
Difficulty breathing – excessive coughing or sneezing
Swelling to the head, especially the eyes
Discoloured or watery droppings
Lack of coordination and movement – stumbling, dragging of wings or feet
Changes to egg production – decrease in the number of eggs produced
Changes in mood and appetite
What is the treatment for bird flu?
“There is little effective treatment for bird flu although good care, nutrition and treatment of complications can sometimes mitigate losses of birds," he continues.
"It is critical to prevent the spread of bird flu through stringent hygiene measures, to prevent spread among birds and other animals (including humans) in close contact with birds. Occasionally, a cull of birds is needed.”
How is bird flu transmitted?
Dr Burke adds: “Bird flu can be transmitted through close contact with the virus, through direct contact with an infected bird, or contact with the virus through handling infected bedding or droppings.”
Can humans get bird flu?
Dr Burke says while humans can contract bird flu, the risk remains low, though extra care must be taken if you're handling a bird or animal that potentially has the virus.
He continues: "Cases of bird flu occur in humans when they come into contact with an infected bird. The virus can spread through close contact with the bird or handling their droppings or bedding."
It's also worth pointing out that the risk to humans remains low, with chicken and eggs safe to eat if properly cooked, according to Defra.
What happens if humans get bird flu?
Symptoms of bird flu occur within three to five days of being in contact with the virus.
Seven symptoms of bird flu in humans:
Eye irritation and redness
Sore throat and a cough
Fever
Diarrhoea and sickness
Headache
Stiff neck
Body aches
Confusion
“If you have been exposed to any infected birds or start showing symptoms of bird flu, seek medical advice at your GP practice or through 111," Dr Burke advises.
"A swab will be taken from your throat or nose to check if the virus is present. If the sample is positive, you'll be advised to stay at home and may be prescribed medication depending on the severity of symptoms.”
Can dogs get bird flu?
“Same as humans, if dogs come in contact with the virus they can also contract bird flu, however, the risk is low. If a dog becomes infected with bird flu, symptoms will begin to show within three to five days after they come into contact with the virus.”
Symptoms of bird flu in dogs:
Difficulty in breathing or respiratory distress
Loss of appetite
Lethargy or weakness in the body
Fever
Inflammation of the eyes and redness
For more information about the latest situation of Bird Flu in England, visit gov.uk
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