What is bird flu and what are the symptoms?
BIRD flu is often found in poultry and wild fowl but rarely spreads to humans and is an infectious virus that affects many species of birds.
In January 2022, it was revealed that a Brit is being treated for the illness, also known as avian flu.
A source said the case in a man from the south west was picked up after routine surveillance testing was triggered by infection in his flock.
Lab tests show the man is infected with an H5 strain of bird flu, most likely the H5N1 type.
He is currently isolating at home, with a source saying contact tracing has been completed and there is no evidence of onward transmission.
Here's all there is to know about the virus.
What is bird flu?
Avian flu, also known as bird flu is an infectious virus that spreads among birds and in rare cases it can affect humans.
Most of the strains don't infect humans but there are four which have caused concern in recent years, these are: H5N1, H7N9, H5N6 and H5N8.
BIRD FLU
They don't infect people easily but in late 2021 there has been an uptick in cases in the UK.
Outbreaks in the south west were reported in December 2021, near Newent in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Buckfastleigh in Devon, Swindon in Wiltshire and Pokesdown in Dorset.
Cases elsewhere in the country were also confirmed in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Essex, Leicestershire, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cumbria, Cheshire, South Suffolk and Norfolk.
What are the bird symptoms for bird flu?
Depending on the type of bird flu, there are different signs to look for in the animals.
In birds with low pathogenic avian influenza, the symptoms will be hard to detect and could display as respiratory distress, diarrhoea, a loss of appetite or a drop in egg production of more than five per cent.
With highly pathogenic avian influenza this will usually be a sudden illness and the animal will usually have a swollen head, a blue colouration of the comb and wattles, dullness, lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and significant drop in egg production, experts say.
Can avian flu affect humans?
The case in the south west is a rarity is a first, as until now there have been no documented cases of the particular strain in Britain.
Lab tests show the man is infected with an H5 strain of bird flu, most likely the H5N1 type.
While there are many different strains of bird flu, only two of them have caused serious concerns for humans over the past few decades.
The H5N1 has led to medical problems since 1997, and H7N9 has been prevalent since 2013.
Bird flu can spread to people when they have direct contact with the infection.
This can occur when humans touch dead or alive contaminated birds, their droppings or secretions from their eyes.
Visiting live bird markets in countries that have suffered from avian flu outbreaks is sometimes also a cause for concern.
The NHS explains that “close and prolonged contact with an infected bird is generally required for the infection to spread to humans.”
The World Health Organisation confirmed that 840 people had been infected by the H6N1 virus worldwide by May 2015 and 447 of the cases were fatal.
According to the World Health Organisation, fatality rates are around 53 per cent in humans.
They added: “The risk to the public is very low. The case was detected as part of our surveillance systems in place around avian flu as it is something we need to take very seriously.”
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
The effects of the illness are similar to other types of flu.
Symptoms include:
- high temperature
- aching muscles
- headache
- respiratory problems
- diarrhoea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- nose and gum bleeding
How is bird flu treated?
As avian flu is so contagious, sufferers are warned to stay at home or are treated in hospital isolation.
They are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medication to relieve the symptoms of fever and pain.
Anti-viral medication may also be prescribed.
How can you prevent bird flu?
The NHS reveal ways you can avoid contracting bird flu:
- avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
- avoid contact with surfaces that are contaminated with bird droppings
- don't pick up or touch birds (dead or alive)
- don't eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
- don't bring any live poultry products back to the UK, including feathers
- always practice good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly