A human case of chicken flu has been detected in an individual in England, the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) has mentioned.
In a press release, the company defined that bird-to-human transmission of the illness is “uncommon” and has beforehand occurred a small variety of instances within the UK.
The birds had been contaminated with the DI.2 genotype, one of many viruses identified to be circulating in birds within the UK this season, in keeping with the well being company. That is completely different to strains circulating amongst mammals and birds within the US.
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, mentioned: “The chance of avian flu to most people stays very low regardless of this confirmed case. We now have sturdy methods in place to detect circumstances early and take obligatory motion, as we all know that spillover infections from birds to people could happen.
“At the moment, there isn’t a proof of onwards transmission from this case.
“Persons are reminded to not contact sick or useless birds and it’s vital that they observe Defra recommendation about reporting any suspected avian influenza circumstances.”
The UKHSA mentioned it had been tracing all people who’ve been involved with the confirmed case, and that these at highest threat of publicity had been supplied antiviral remedy.
H5N1 kind A virus is extra colloquially often called avian flu, or chicken flu, as a result of it is predominantly current in chicken populations.
Nevertheless, the virus can also be transmissible to mammals, together with people, and it may be deadly in some circumstances.
So what’s chicken flu and what do we have to know in regards to the newest outbreak?
What’s chicken flu and the way is it transmitted?
Fowl flu (or H5N1 kind A virus) is an infectious virus generally unfold amongst birds by saliva, secretions, and faeces.
It could possibly make birds sick, notably these in captivity, and it might probably additionally kill the chicken.
Wild birds, together with waterfowl (swans, geese, geese), can carry and transmit the virus with out displaying proof of illness, in keeping with Paul Walton, head of habitats and species at RSPBS Cotland.
The Division for Atmosphere, Meals and Rural Affairs (Defra) mentioned wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe in the course of the winter months can carry the illness and this could result in circumstances in poultry and different captive birds.
The virus also can unfold to different mammals after they eat the contaminated birds and, when this occurs, it’s known as influenza of avian origin.
People can contract chicken flu from contaminated animals if the virus is inhaled or will get into somebody’s eyes. It’s usually regarded suitable for eating chickens so long as the meat is cooked correctly.
How do you notice chicken flu?
There are two varieties of avian influenza, with extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) being the extra critical kind. It’s usually deadly in birds.
A few of the medical indicators of HPAI in birds embrace sudden and speedy enhance within the variety of birds discovered useless, a number of birds affected in the identical shed or air area, a swollen head, closed and excessively watery eyes, head and physique tremoring, drooping of the wings and/or dragging of legs, twisting of the pinnacle and neck, and swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles.
Chickens at Leicestershire-based egg producer Dawn Poultry Farms enjoying with a soccer whereas they’re caught indoors in the course of the chicken flu lockdown
PA Media
Different indicators embrace haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and underneath the pores and skin of the neck, lack of urge for food or marked lower in feed consumption, sudden enhance or lower in water consumption, respiratory misery, sneezing, noticeable enhance in physique temperature, discoloured or free watery droppings, and cessation or marked discount in egg manufacturing.
What’s the threat to the general public?
Persons are suggested to not contact or decide up any useless or sick birds that they discover and as a substitute report them to the related helpline.
Is it nonetheless okay to feed birds in your backyard?
The RSPB mentioned everybody ought to take care to keep up good hygiene when feeding backyard birds, and likewise beneficial “often cleansing feeders outdoors with gentle disinfectant, eradicating outdated chicken meals, spacing out feeders as a lot as attainable, and washing your arms”.
UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss mentioned individuals who maintain chickens and need to feed wild birds want to verify all the things is stored “scrupulously clear” and “completely separate” to keep away from infecting their very own flocks.
What must you do if you happen to see a sick or injured chicken?
The RSPB mentioned if folks discover any useless waterfowl, any gulls or birds of prey, or 5 or extra of some other species in a single place, they need to report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 or in Northern Eire to DAERA on 0300 200 7840.
The RSPB additionally advises that individuals who reside in bird-flu areas ought to maintain their canine on a lead, because the virus may be handed to pets.
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