Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): Latest Situation in England
28 December 2024
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that avian influenza has been detected in several poultry flocks in England. The affected premises have been placed under movement restriction while the birds are humanely culled to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that can affect poultry and other birds. It can cause severe respiratory illness and death in birds. The virus can also be spread to humans through close contact with infected birds or their bodily fluids.
Defra is working closely with the poultry industry and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. Enhanced surveillance measures are in place, and all poultry keepers are being urged to practice good biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised that the consumption of poultry meat and eggs is safe, provided that they are cooked thoroughly.
Symptoms of bird flu in birds
The symptoms of bird flu in birds can include:
- Respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing, gasping)
- Swelling around the head and eyes
- Lethargy and depression
- Loss of feathers
- Death
Symptoms of bird flu in humans
The symptoms of bird flu in humans can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye)
- Respiratory symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath)
What to do if you think your bird has bird flu
If you think your bird has bird flu, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not handle or touch the bird yourself.
How to prevent the spread of bird flu
There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent the spread of bird flu, including:
- Practicing good biosecurity measures
- Keeping your poultry indoors
- Using foot baths
- Changing clothes and shoes before entering and leaving your poultry area
- Avoiding contact with wild birds
- Cooking poultry meat and eggs thoroughly
Further information
For more information on bird flu, please visit the Defra website or the FSA website.
Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
UK News and communications a new article on 2024-12-28 17:26 titled “Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
24