Due to the record outbreak in the UK, here is a quick guide to a viral disease, also known as avian flu
Last modified on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 13.56 EST
Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is an animal infectious viral disease caused by a virus that is loosely related to human influenza. Certain strains of the disease have been transmitted to humans, but this is very rare and usually only occurs after very close contact with an infected bird or animal. Although all birds and less common pigs are considered susceptible, poultry flocks are particularly susceptible to infection. Outbreaks will quickly lead to an epidemic among birds. Public health authorities worry that the virus may mutate into a subtype that can cause human disease. Therefore, they warned that the threat of a new influenza pandemic is always present.
A record outbreak in the UK resulted in the culling of 500,000 captive birds this fall. In early November, the entire United Kingdom announced the establishment of bird flu prevention zones, requiring strict biosecurity measures and keeping all birds indoors.
The NHS stated that four strains have attracted special attention in recent years. The first is H5N1 determined in 1997, followed by H7N9 in 2013, H5N6 in the following year, and H5N8 in 2016. The H5N1 form has been the cause of most concern in recent years. The British government stated that it has taken special safety measures. On November 21, confirmed and suspected cases of this strain appeared in poultry in parts of North Yorkshire.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said there are 40 infected sites in the UK. These include 38 in the United Kingdom (33 in England) and two in Northern Ireland. In comparison, there were 26 outbreaks last winter.
After an autopsy at the Pathology Department of the Scottish Rural College, a rare white-tailed eagle that died on the Isle of Skye was found to be one of the wild birds that tested positive. This is believed to be the first case involving an eagle in Scotland. On November 14, it was discovered that this adult eagle came from a mature territory on the Trotternish Peninsula. Ornithologists believe it may feed on infected grey geese.
Approximately 22,100 ducks were culled at a commercial premises in Ognaloy, Tyrone, while the culling and penalty area was also carried out at a second location in Brauschern, Antrim, described as a "small backyard." group".
It doesn't. World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that from 2003 to 2021, there were 863 confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 virus. Of these cases, 456 people died. Although transmission is rare, it has already happened.
So far, most human deaths have occurred in Asian countries, where people live in communities close to poultry. Although it is not easy to infect humans, each infection increases the chance of the virus mutating into a form that can be transmitted from one infected person to another. The WHO is concerned that this could lead to a pandemic.
Unless you are in close contact with infected birds or people who have been diagnosed or suspected of avian flu, you are unlikely to get the virus. The virus is found in secretions from the eyes and respiratory tract, as well as the feces of infected birds. Humans can be infected by inhaling droplets from the sneezing of infected birds or dust from their bedding or feces.
They vary by strain. Most infections have flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and pain. The symptoms of the H5N1 subtype are more severe and often lead to death. Other symptoms may include conjunctivitis-redness, pain, and discharge of the eyes.
WHO scientists said they believe that the virus is likely to be carried by migratory birds. Recently, the British government stated that it "spreads between birds through direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and feces." The official added: “It can also be spread through contaminated feed and water or dirty vehicles, clothes and footwear... Avian flu is not an airborne virus.”
The NHS says it can be spread to people who come into contact with infected birds, feces or bedding, or who kill or prepare infected poultry for cooking. Health officials said that even in areas affected by the epidemic, people will not catch bird flu by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs.
The government stated that the chief veterinary officer of each of the UK’s constituent countries “agreed to adopt new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from confirmed cases of avian flu across the UK in recent weeks”. It added: "The new housing measures will come into effect on Monday, November 29th, which means that all bird farmers in the UK keeping birds indoors and following strict biosecurity measures to restrict bird breeding will become a law. Request. Spread and eradicate this disease."
Symptoms of infected birds include swelling of the head and blue discoloration around the neck and throat. They also show signs of breathing problems, including open beaks, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Poultry farmers will also notice that infected birds have poor appetite and reduced egg production.
People are advised not to touch or pick up any dead or obviously sick birds they find. In the UK, dead wild waterfowl or other wild birds should be reported to Defra. Then some will be collected and tested to help scientists understand the geographical distribution of diseases and different types of birds.
There is no vaccine against bird flu. The NHS stated that if someone is infected, they will either be told to stay at home or be quarantined in the hospital. They will then receive treatment with antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (called Tamiflu) or zanamivir (called Relenza).
Scientists have found that such treatments “help to reduce the severity of the disease, prevent complications, and improve the chances of survival. Sometimes, they are also provided to people who have had close contact with infected birds or have been with infected people. People who have been in contact, such as family members or medical staff," the NHS said.