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Advice on Avian Influenza

(By James Armitage– Environmental Health Officer/ Food Team)

 

What is it?

Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds. The most severe form of the disease (highly pathogenic) is a notifiable disease which was last confirmed in the United Kingdom in 1991. Recent outbreaks of a new form of the virus, H5N1, have arisen several countries including in the UK.

 

Can I get bird flu from eating poultry?

The Food Standards Agency considers that the outbreak of avian flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. This is because the risk of catching the disease in humans is from being in close contact with live poultry that have the disease and not through eating cooked poultry game or eggs. World Health Organisation (WHO) advice is that there is no health risk from well-cooked poultry/game meat or from eggs.

 

I’m a bird keeper - what can I do to help?

The UK, like other countries, needs to increase its vigilance to match this increased global risk. All keepers of birds will wish to be vigilant about the health of their birds. They should also now start to plan ahead how they will be able to isolate their birds from wild birds in an emergency and consider the advice to keepers, available on the Defra website.

 

I’m a member of the public – what can I do to help?

Members of the public should not handle dead birds (they may be affected by any sort of disease). If multiple bird deaths are found members of the public should report this to the Defra helpline 08459 335577.

Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. If dead birds are handled, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid touching your face and certainly do not eat until you have washed your hands. Clean any soiling on clothing with soap and water.

 

Where can I get more information?

The following websites provide further information:

Defra
Health Protection Agency
Food Standards Agency
World Health Organisation