Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
17 January 2025
England is currently experiencing its largest ever outbreak of bird flu, with over 150 cases confirmed since October 2022.
The outbreak has affected poultry and captive birds, and has led to the culling of millions of birds. The government has introduced a number of measures to try to control the outbreak, including a ban on the movement of poultry and eggs, and the introduction of new biosecurity measures.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a viral infection that can affect birds of all ages. It can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory problems, coughing, sneezing, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
How is bird flu spread?
Bird flu is spread through contact with infected birds or their droppings. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated food, water, or equipment.
What are the risks to humans?
Bird flu is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted from animals to humans. However, the risk of infection is low. Most human cases of bird flu have been mild, but there have been some cases of severe illness and death.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
The symptoms of bird flu in humans can include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- conjunctivitis
- difficulty breathing
How is bird flu treated?
There is no specific treatment for bird flu. Treatment is supportive and aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
What can I do to protect myself from bird flu?
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from bird flu, including:
- avoiding contact with birds and their droppings
- washing your hands thoroughly after handling poultry or eggs
- cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly
- avoiding eating raw or undercooked poultry or eggs
- getting vaccinated against bird flu if you are at high risk of exposure
What is the government doing to control the outbreak?
The government has introduced a number of measures to try to control the outbreak, including:
- a ban on the movement of poultry and eggs
- the introduction of new biosecurity measures
- a vaccination programme for poultry
- a surveillance programme to monitor the spread of the virus
What can I do to help?
You can help to control the outbreak of bird flu by following the advice above and reporting any suspected cases of bird flu to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Further information
For more information on bird flu, please visit the APHA website: www.gov.uk/bird-flu
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 2025-01-17 21:23 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.
96