Bird flu was identified in Oxfordshire earlier this month as Defra continue to monitor a UK wide outbreak. 

On February 9 this year, Oxford City Council confirmed that cases of bird flu had been identified in Iffley Lock area. 

According to the Defra report, two cases were recorded in week 5 of 2022 and involved a Mute Swan and a Black headed gull.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across Great Britain on the 3 November 2021.

This means all bird keepers, whether they have pet or commercial birds, must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and take steps to avoid the spread of disease at all times.

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What is bird flu or Avian flu?

According to the UK Health Security Agency, bird flu is an influenza that spreads amongst birds. While some strains can pass to humans this is extremely rare and usually requires very close contact with an infected bird.

The risk is considered low but the avian influenza virus changes frequently, creating new strains, and there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people.

Avian influenza isn’t an airborne virus.

There are 2 types of avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the more serious type. It is often fatal in birds. 

Bird flu outbreaks can happen at any time of the year. However, in the UK seasonal increases are typically related to the winter migration patterns of wild birds.

How is bird flu spread to humans and what are the symptoms? 

Bird flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird, dead or alive, which includes touching infected birds, droppings or bedding, or killing and preparing infected poultry for cooking. 

According to the NHS, you can't catch bird flu through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.

The main symptoms of bird flu, listed on the NHS website, can appear very quickly and include:

  • A very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery
  • Aching muscles
  • Headache
  • A cough or shortness of breath

Other early symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Sickness
  • Stomach pain
  • Chest pain
  • Bleeding from the nose and gums
  • Conjunctivitis

It usually takes 3 to 5 days for the first symptoms to appear and it's possible to develop more severe complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Getting treatment quickly is important.

Signs of bird flu in birds

The severity of symptoms depends on the type of influenza and the type of bird and whether it has any other illnesses, according to Defra.

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) is usually less serious and may show more vague clinical signs such as breathing problems and reduction in egg production.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is often fatal in birds, and just some main signs are:

  • Sudden and rapid increase in the number of birds found dead
  • Swollen head
  • Head and body tremoring
  • Drooping of the wings and/or dragging of legs
  • Swelling and blue discolouration of comb
  • Haemorrhages on legs
  • Cessation or marked reduction in egg production

More of these symptoms can be found on the government information page on Avian influenza.

What should you do to stop the spread and protect local wildlife?

Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.

READ MORE: PICTURE: Warning sign over bird flu on Thames Path

Here is a list of measures suggested by Oxfordshire County Council for how to minimise bird flu spreading. 

  • Keep to the footpaths.
  • Keep dogs on a lead.
  • Do not feed wild waterfowl.
  • Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds.
  • Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings.

If you spot dead wild birds whilst out, you should report it on the Defra helpline: 03459335577

Find out more on the government website.

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