The Government confirmed this week that a single case of bird flu had been identified on a Yorkshire farm
Brits were put on alert this week as bird flu was discovered in a single sheep, marking a first for the virus. The strain identified was H5N1 of avian origin, detected on a Yorkshire farm, the Government has verified.
Although the ‘risk to livestock remains low’ and authorities have measures in place to prevent further spread, it’s worth understanding the red flags of bird flu. The infectious form of influenza usually spreads among birds and livestock but, in rare cases, may impact humans, too.
The NHS explains that although several strains exist, four key types have sparked concern in recent years.
These include H5N1, the strain recently identified on a Yorkshire farm, H7N9, H5N6, and H5N8. “Although H5N1, H7N9 and H5N6 don’t infect people easily and aren’t usually spread from human to human, several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths,” NHS guidance explains.
“In February 2021 H5N8 was found to have infected a small number of people for the first time, in Russia.” The flu is typically transmitted through close contact with an infected bird—either dead or alive.
This includes touching the bird, its droppings or bedding, and even preparing infected poultry for cooking. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised that properly cooked poultry and other products, such as eggs, remain generally safe to eat.
The H5N1 virus is not usually transmitted through food. The NHS also adds: “Markets where live birds are sold can also be a source of bird flu.
Avoid visiting these markets if you’re travelling to countries that have had an outbreak of bird flu. “You can’t catch bird flu through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.”
If you do catch bird flu, its symptoms typically appear ‘very quickly’ after three to five days. Often, they include the following:
- Sickness
- Conjunctivitis
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- High temperature or feeling hot or shivery
- Aching muscles
- Headache
- A cough or shortness of breath
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
In the worst cases, it is possible to develop more serious complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia. As a result, the NHS urges anyone experiencing bird flu symptoms to call 111 or access its services online.
“Your symptoms can be checked over the phone,” its guidance states. In light of the fresh bird flu case, Dr Meera Chand, Emerging Infection Lead at the UK Health Security Agency, also said this week: “Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza A(H5N1).
“However, current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating around the world do not spread easily to people – and the risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low.”
According to the Mirror, she added: “UKHSA will continue to monitor the situation closely alongside Defra, DHSC, Animal and Plant Health Agency and Food Standards Agency. UKHSA has established preparations in place for detections of human cases of avian flu and will respond rapidly with NHS and other partners if needed.”
Owners who suspect their animals have been infected should report concerns by calling the APHA on 03000 200 301 in England or 0300 303 8268 in Wales. People in Scotland can contact their local field services here.
