For latest information please click on the following link
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Introduction
Bird Flu, or Avian Influenza, occurs in a number of different forms. Each strain of the virus is given a reference number and one group of strains is known as "H5". The present international concern is about the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus strain known as "H5N1". This is NOT easily transmitted to humans and is, currently, of concern primarily because of it’s potentially devastating effects on wildlife, domesticated birds and poultry. The human cases have involved people who lived in particularly close contact with infected birds. By 31 May 2006, human 224 cases have been confirmed and 127 people have died from the disease. For latest statistics please see the Health Protection Agency website, click here.
There have been outbreaks of HPAI in parts of SE Asia since 2003. Confirmed cases of H5N1 have since spread to Western Europe. Many experts feel that it is only a matter of time before cases appear in Great Britain. In the UK there has been only one case of confirmed H5N1 infection in wild birds; this was the case in Cellardyke, Scotland involving a Hooper swan which probably came from outside G.B. Measures were immediately put in place but were lifted on 22 April.
The current international Alert Level is Level 3 on a scale of 1 to 6. This means that human infections are occurring, but the virus does not spread efficiently or in a sustainable way among humans. Level 4 would be reached if the virus mutated and became easily transmissible between humans. See World Health Organisation website, click here.
Useful Questions and Answers can be found on the DEFRA website, click here.
Animal Health Issues
In it’s present form, the virus represents a significant threat to birds (and some other species). As of 23 May 2006, 49 countries or regions have reported avian influenza outbreaks in birds.
For latest information on the countries affected, please see the World Organisation For Animal Health website, click here.
Animal Health Advice
Advice for poultry keepers, on worker safety, bird fairs, markets, etc., can be found on the DEFRA website, click here.
Information on dead wild birds, handling precautions and wild bird surveillance can be found on the DEFRA website, click here.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A DEAD BIRD
If you find -
any dead swan, duck or goose, or
3 or more dead wild birds of the same species in close proximity to each other, or
5 or more dead birds of different species in close proximity to each other,
you should contact the DEFRA Helpline (08459 33 55 77) and choose the Avian Influenza option which will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. You will be asked for details and the location of the bird(s).
Apart from these situations, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED.
Single dead birds, other then those described above, should be left alone or can safely be disposed of. You should wear gloves and try not to touch the body with your bare hands (use a shovel instead). It should be double-wrapped in plastic bags and placed in your dustbin. Thoroughly wash your hands in hot soapy water when you have finished.
During Town Hall opening hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) you can obtain advice and assistance by ringing 023 9254 5364 / 5596 / 5597. Council officers will visit the location and can contact Defra on your behalf.
Health Risk From Dead Birds
The risk is low but, as wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people, those who touch dead birds are more at risk from other infections which can cause gastrointestinal illness, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, and should wash their hands thoroughly afterwards with soap and water.
Children should be kept away from dead bird carcases. Dogs or cats that find and come into contact with dead birds are not thought to be at risk but a recent case in Germany may result in this advice being revised.
Travel Advice
There are currently no restrictions for persons travelling to affected countries. However, previously recommended advice should continue to be exercised by those who are travelling to these regions, namely -
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Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
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Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal faeces
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Do not eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
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Do not attempt to bring any live poultry products back to the UK
For further travel advice please consult the National Travel Health Network Centre website, click here, or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, click here.
Flu Pandemic
The main concern is that the H5N1 virus may mutate into a form which could easily be spread from one human to another. If this occurs there is a very real risk of Pandemic Flu.
Pandemic flu is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world. The symptoms of pandemic flu are similar to those of 'ordinary' flu but are usually more severe.
The Department of Health has published an advice leaflet on pandemic flu which is available through it’s website, click here.
Human Health Issues
Advice on the human health implications of H5N1 can be found on the Department of Health website, click here.
If you have any concerns about your personal health please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit their website, click here.
Vaccination
Some experts believe that vaccinating poultry will help prevent the decimation of commercial flocks but this is not yet official policy in the U.K. Existing human flu vaccines will not necessarily be effective; specific vaccines will be developed when and if the virus becomes infectious between humans.
What Next
Gosport Borough Council will update this web site as further information becomes available but for the latest news you are advised to click on the web links throughout this page.
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