**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.
**Rare Cases of Bird Flu Reported in Humans** Although avian bird influenza viruses typically do not infect humans, there have been sporadic cases of human infection. While human-to-human spread remains extremely rare, health officials are monitoring the situation closely. Since December 2021, 11 human cases of H5N1 have been reported worldwide. Symptoms in humans infected with bird flu viruses have ranged from mild respiratory issues to severe illness, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. Poultry and other birds are the natural hosts of bird flu viruses. However, these viruses can spread to humans through contact with infected birds or their secretions. Human infections typically occur through exposure to sick or dead birds, contaminated surfaces, or through inhaling airborne virus particles. Common symptoms of bird flu in birds include: * Respiratory symptoms (runny nose, coughing/sneezing) * Diarrhea * Decreased energy * Decreased egg production To prevent bird flu infection, it is essential to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, their secretions, and contaminated surfaces. Proper hygiene practices should be followed, including regular handwashing and disinfection of surfaces. If you suspect a bird may be infected with bird flu, contact your local veterinarian immediately. Health officials emphasize that the risk of human infection with bird flu remains low. However, they encourage continued surveillance and adherence to preventive measures to mitigate the potential for spread.
Daera
**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.
**Avian Flu Outbreak Affects Dairy Cows in the US** **April 3, 2024** An outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is affecting dairy cows in the United States. The virus, which is caused by the influenza A virus, can also infect humans. Bird flu is respiratory virus that causes severe illness in birds, including pneumonia. In humans, bird flu can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, bird flu can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. The outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows began in January 2022. Since then, more than 82 million poultry in 48 states have been affected. The virus has also been detected in wild birds in all 50 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the outbreak of bird flu. The CDC recommends that people avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and that they thoroughly cook poultry and eggs before eating them. The CDC also recommends that people who have been exposed to bird flu be tested for the virus. There is no specific treatment for bird flu, but antiviral medications can help to reduce the severity of the illness. The outbreak of bird flu is a serious public health concern. The CDC urges people to take steps to protect themselves from the virus.
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