**78 UK Bird Species Test Positive for Avian Flu** * **August 22, 2023** Avian flu has spread rapidly among UK bird populations, with 78 species testing positive for the virus. This includes most of the country's breeding seabirds. The virus has been found in a wide variety of bird species, including ducks, geese, swans, gulls, and terns. It is a highly contagious disease, and can quickly spread through flocks. The outbreak has raised concerns about the potential impact on bird populations. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable, as they congregate in large numbers and often have close contact with other birds. The government is monitoring the situation closely, and is working to develop plans to mitigate the impact of the virus. This includes measures to protect vulnerable bird populations and to prevent the disease from spreading to humans. British health officials are also preparing plans to deploy lateral flow tests if signs emerge that the virus is spreading to humans. Lateral flow tests are rapid, inexpensive tests that can detect the virus in respiratory samples. The government is urging the public to report any dead or sick birds to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This will help Defra to track the spread of the virus and to take appropriate action.
The Guardian
**78 UK Bird Species Test Positive for Avian Flu** * **August 22, 2023** Avian flu has spread rapidly among UK bird populations, with 78 species testing positive for the virus. This includes most of the country's breeding seabirds. The virus has been found in a wide variety of bird species, including ducks, geese, swans, gulls, and terns. It is a highly contagious disease, and can quickly spread through flocks. The outbreak has raised concerns about the potential impact on bird populations. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable, as they congregate in large numbers and often have close contact with other birds. The government is monitoring the situation closely, and is working to develop plans to mitigate the impact of the virus. This includes measures to protect vulnerable bird populations and to prevent the disease from spreading to humans. British health officials are also preparing plans to deploy lateral flow tests if signs emerge that the virus is spreading to humans. Lateral flow tests are rapid, inexpensive tests that can detect the virus in respiratory samples. The government is urging the public to report any dead or sick birds to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This will help Defra to track the spread of the virus and to take appropriate action.
**Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) Outbreak in Animals: Prevention, Monitoring, and Public Health Recommendations** **April 3, 2024** In response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus in animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health. **Background** Avian influenza is a type A influenza virus that primarily affects birds. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in over 100 species of birds, including seagulls and owls. **Current Outbreak** The United States is currently experiencing an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry. On April 2, 2024, the largest producer of fresh eggs in the country announced that it had stopped production at a Texas plant after bird flu was detected. **Human Health Risk** Although avian influenza viruses are primarily respiratory pathogens in birds, they can occasionally infect humans. Most human cases of avian influenza have resulted from direct contact with infected birds or exposure to contaminated environments. **Interim Recommendations** The CDC has issued the following interim recommendations to prevent, monitor, and control the spread of H5N1 avian influenza: * **Prevent contact with infected birds:** Avoid handling or coming into close contact with sick or dead birds. * **Monitor for symptoms:** Individuals who have had contact with infected birds should monitor themselves for symptoms of avian influenza, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. * **Report sick birds:** Report sick or dead birds to local wildlife authorities. * **Practice good hygiene:** Wash hands thoroughly after handling poultry or visiting areas where birds are present. * **Avoid raw poultry products:** Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry or eggs. **Public Health Response** Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread to humans. **Additional Information** For more information on H5N1 avian influenza, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-influenza-h5n1.htm.
**Bird Flu Outbreak Forces Halt in Egg Production at Major US Facility** **April 3, 2024** The United States' largest fresh egg producer, WEB, has temporarily suspended production at its Texas plant due to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1 virus in animals. The current outbreak, which began in early 2022, has prompted officials to slaughter nearly 82 million poultry in 48 states. WEB is the latest victim of the devastating virus, which has been affecting bird populations worldwide for decades. WEB stated on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, that the temporary production halt will not significantly impact the availability of eggs in the US due to the company's diverse production network. However, consumers may experience slight shortages or price increases in certain regions. The virus is not known to pose a health risk to humans, and all eggs produced before the plant's closure remain safe to consume. Officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. Poultry and egg producers are implementing strict biosecurity measures, including isolation of infected flocks and increased surveillance. Consumers are advised to practice safe handling and cooking of poultry products, including thoroughly washing hands, cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoiding contact with sick or dead birds. Stay tuned for updates on the situation as the outbreak continues to unfold.
**Avian Flu Confirmed in Antarctic Penguins and Other Wildlife** **South Georgia, December 23, 2023** The first known cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Antarctic region were detected among brown skua on Bird Island off South Georgia in October 2023. Two months later, hundreds of elephant seals on the island tested positive for avian flu. According to experts, the arrival of the virus is believed to be the result of natural pathways. Bird flu has now been confirmed in 10 penguins on South Georgia, a renowned wildlife sanctuary. Avian influenza has also infected other seabirds and mammals, including the elephant seals. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operates two research stations in South Georgia, including the one at Bird Island where the bird flu cases were confirmed. The BAS is closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to prevent further spread of the disease. HPAI continues to affect the wildlife on the sub-antarctic islands of South Georgia. The latest results from samples taken from the islands indicate that the virus is still circulating among the bird and mammal populations.
Daera
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