UK seeing largest ever outbreak of bird flu, Cornwall minister warns
Environment Secretary and Camborne and Redruth MP George Eustice raised the issue in the Commons
England's top vet has warned that the UK is seeing a "phenomenal level" of bird flu, with 36 cases confirmed so far this year.
Environment Secretary and Cornwall MP George Eustice raised the issue in the Commons last week, with more outbreaks being reports over the weekend.
The Member of Parliament for Camborne and Redruth warned that Britain is seeing its largest ever outbreak.
Experts say the risk to human health remains low, but we are still being urged not to touch dead birds.
Mr Eustice said: "Each year the UK faces a seasonal risk of incursion of Avian Influenza associated with migratory, wild birds.
"While we have that threat each year, I have to say that this year we are now seeing the largest ever outbreak in the UK.
"We have put in place an Avian Influenza prevention zone that came into force on the 3rd November in England and an additional housing order was introduced on 29th November.
"Our Chief Veterinary Officer continues to lead the response to this episode".
What are the signs of bird flu?
There are two types of avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the more serious type and is often fatal in birds.
The main signs of HPAI in birds, which can include any or a combination of the following, are:
Sudden and rapid increase in the number of birds found dead
Several birds affected in the same shed or air space
Swollen head
Closed and excessively watery eyes
Lethargy and depression
Recumbency and unresponsiveness
Incoordination and loss of balance
Head and body tremoring
Drooping of the wings and/or dragging of legs
Twisting of the head and neck
Swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles
Haemorrhages on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck
Loss of appetite or marked decrease in feed consumption
Sudden increase or decrease in water consumption
Respiratory distress such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling
Fever or noticeable increase in body temperature
Discoloured or loose watery droppings
Cessation or marked reduction in egg production
Clinical signs can vary between species of bird and some species (for example ducks and geese) may show minimal clinical signs.
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) is usually less serious and may show more vague clinical signs. It can cause mild breathing problems and reduction of egg production, but affected birds will not always show clear signs of infection.
The severity of LPAI depends on the type of bird and whether it has any other illnesses.
Anyone who keeps poultry must keep a close watch on them for any signs of disease, and must seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
How does bird flu spread?
Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
The avian influenza virus changes frequently, creating new strains, and there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people.
Avian influenza is not an airborne virus.
What is the public health advice?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The regional UKHSA Health Protection Teams are working closely with Defra to monitor the situation and will be providing health advice to persons at the infected premises as a precaution.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
The NHS website has further information and if you employ people who work with poultry or work with poultry yourself.
You can also read Health and Safety Executive advice on protecting workers from avian influenza.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
In Great Britain, if you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).
Information about avian influenza, including the current prevention orders, can be found on the government's website.