Details released on human case of avian flu in England 

A rare human case of avian flu H5N1 has been detected in the West Midlands, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.

The person acquired the infection on a farm, where they had close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds. 

UKHSA says the individual is currently well and was admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit.

The birds were infected with the DI.2 genotype, one of the viruses known to be circulating in birds in the UK this season. This is different to strains circulating among mammals and birds in the US.

The case was detected after the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) identified an outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) in a flock of birds. 

UKHSA carried out routine monitoring on people who had been in close contact with the infected birds.

Specific to premises

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said that while avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, transmission to humans is very rare and the case is “very specific to the circumstances on this premises”.

All infected birds at the site are being humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises will be undertaken to strict biosecure standards. 

Ms Middlemiss said a growing number of avian flu cases are being seen in birds on 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,” she said.

READ MORE: Effective biosecurity helps protect flocks against new outbreaks of avian flu 

READ MORE: Avian influenza prevention zone declared in four counties

Risk remains low

Bird-to-human transmission of avian influenza is rare and has previously occurred a small number of times in the UK.

UKHSA says the risk to the wider public continues to be very low.

There has been no demonstrated human-to-human transmission despite extensive recent surveillance of influenza A(H5N1).

However, UKHSA has been tracing all individuals who have been in contact with the recent confirmed case.

Those at highest risk of exposure have been offered antiviral treatment. This is done to reduce the chance that any virus they have been exposed to will be able to cause infection.

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.”

She reminded people not to touch sick or dead birds and follow Defra advice about reporting any suspected avian influenza cases.

Close monitoring

Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, added: “The safety of the public is paramount, and we are monitoring this situation closely.

“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.”

An H5 vaccine, which protects against avian influenza, was recently added to the stockpile as part of the UK’s preparedness plans, he concluded.

UKHSA will publish further details about the confirmed human case in due course.

There have been 21 cases of H5N1 in birds in England, and one in Scotland, as well as one case of H5N5 in England since the outbreak began in November.

For the latest information and advice, visit gov.uk

Read more livestock news.