Human case of bird flu confirmed in the UK

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed on Monday there is a human case of bird flu in Britain.

A person in the West Midlands has contracted bird flu after being in “close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds.”

The person is currently unwell and has been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) after becoming infected on a farm where birds are infected with the DI.2 genotype.

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said, “The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case.

“We have robust systems in place to detect cases early and take necessary action, as we know that spillover infections from birds to humans may occur.

“Currently there is no evidence of onwards transmission from this case.

“People are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds and it’s important that they follow Defra advice about reporting any suspected avian influenza cases.”

Health minister Andrew Gwynne said, “The risk of wider or onward transmission is very low, however the UK remains prepared and ready to respond to any current and future health threats.”

“We recently added the H5 vaccine, which protects against avian influenza, to our stockpile as part of our preparedness plans.”

UK chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, said, “While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises.

“We took swift action to limit the spread of the disease at the site in question, all infected birds are being humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises will be undertaken all to strict biosecure standards.

“This is a reminder that stringent biosecurity is essential when keeping animals.

“We are seeing a growing number of avian flu cases in birds on both commercial farms and in backyard flocks across the country.

“Implementing scrupulous biosecurity measures will help protect the health and welfare of your birds from the threat of avian influenza and other diseases.”