UK: London: Bird flu or avian flu is spreading in the UK. The dire warning comes as thousands of infected seabirds are spotted on UK shores. Those who go to the beaches are warned to be very careful.
Officials warn to stay away from infected seabirds or dead birds. Avian flu, which is seen in summer, is more severe this time and has given way to serious concern. It is warned that the increase in the number of infected seabirds will cause a huge disaster.
Last month alone, thousands of dead birds washed up on UK beaches, suspected to have died from avian flu. Beaches like Sefton Coast near Blackpool, Stonehaven Beach in Aberdeenshire and South Prebrokeshire Coast are just a few of them.
Avian influenza is a dangerous and highly transmissible virus currently circulating among seabirds in the UK. This is known as HPAI. There have been 190 confirmed cases of H5N1 since October 2022. It is estimated that at least 50,000 wild birds died as a result. But some worry that the actual death toll is much higher.
Since it is summer, many people with children are reaching the beaches now. Avian flu is less likely to be transmitted to humans, but it has been found that close contact with infected birds or their carcasses increases the risk of contracting the disease.
Most avian influenza viruses usually cause disease only in birds. But viruses have the ability to spread from birds to humans and cause disease. Humans are most likely to be infected through close contact with infected birds and contaminated conditions. H5N1 bird flu was first confirmed in humans in 1997 in Hong Kong. According to statistics from 1997 to 2015, 907 human cases and 483 deaths were reported due to bird flu.
But the UK Health Agency (UKHSA) says the risk of bird-to-human transmission is very low. However, the authorities suggest keeping a distance from seabirds and keeping domestic dogs away from birds.