A significant poultry cull has been initiated in response to an outbreak of avian influenza on a farm in Yorkshire. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has established a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the affected farm near Hornsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire. All birds on the property will be euthanized as a precautionary measure.
The identification of the H5N5 variant of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on the farm has led DEFRA to elevate the risk level for wild birds from “medium” to “high.” The virus is commonly transmitted through the feces, mucus, and saliva of infected birds. DEFRA has urged all bird keepers to stay vigilant and implement measures to safeguard their birds due to the heightened risk of avian influenza in Great Britain.
Over the years, bird flu has resulted in the deaths of millions of birds worldwide, with an increasing number of cases involving mammals. This has raised concerns about the potential for the virus to mutate and facilitate human-to-human transmission. Scientists have warned that bird flu may be evolving in ways that are not readily detectable.
In a related development, a breeding season at Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve has seen a significant increase in tern populations as seabirds strive to recover from the impact of avian flu. Additionally, there have been reports of bird flu spreading to cows, posing a potential risk of transmission to humans through respiratory pathways.
The most recent avian flu outbreak in the UK occurred in February and was identified as the largest in the country’s history, involving the H5N1 strain. The current outbreak in Hornsea involves the H5N5 strain, indicating the continued evolution of the virus. In a separate incident in the United States, scientists reported evidence of bird flu transmission from mammals to humans for the first time, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the virus.
While previous cases of human infection with avian flu have been linked to contact with infected birds, the potential for transmission from mammals to humans underscores the need for continued monitoring and preventive measures. The evolving nature of the virus necessitates a coordinated response to mitigate the risks associated with avian influenza outbreaks.
