England: In response to the recent outbreak of avian influenza in England, authorities have begun cleaning and sanitising affected farms. Last week, the government confirmed several cases of bird flu in Norfolk (East England) and East Riding of Yorkshire (North East England). As a containment measure, farms were instructed to cull infected birds.
To further limit the spread, a three-kilometre protection zone has been established around the Norfolk farm. Additionally, local avian influenza prevention zones have been declared across eastern England, including Lincolnshire and Suffolk. Officials have warned that the risk of bird flu spreading to wild birds in Britain remains very high.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reassured the public that avian influenza primarily affects birds and poses minimal risk to humans. However, scientists are closely monitoring the potential for the virus to spread to other mammals, which raises broader concerns.
Bird Flu in the UK
So far, England has reported 11 cases of the H5N1 virus and one case of the H5N5 strain since the outbreak began in November. Scotland and Wales have not yet reported any cases. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the UK is not currently free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The last recorded case of bird flu in Britain occurred in February 2024.
Between 2021 and 2023, the UK experienced widespread outbreaks of bird flu, resulting in the deaths of 3.8 million birds. The virus also spread to wild bird populations, with studies indicating a significant decline in certain seabird species in the UK.
Authorities remain vigilant and committed to mitigating the impact of the current outbreak, with ongoing surveillance and containment measures in place.
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