The chickens 🐤are back! You will likely be aware that we have been struggling with a recent bird flu outbreak. And that our feathered friends have all been “cooped up” 🤣 for their protection for quite some time now. Well, our free-range friends are free once more. They are EGGS-tatic🥚🍳to be able to roam again. Ok, ok, I’m done… for now ha-ha! 

As of the 18th of April 2023, poultry are now not required to adhere to the protective housing measures if they are outside of a Protective Zone. But what does it mean going forwards?

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What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, otherwise known as Avian Influenza, is caused by a contagious virus. This virus can spread fast amongst birds and cause significant illness, usually affecting the respiratory, digestive, or nervous systems, it can cause death in poultry populations. The main strain of the virus of concern at this time is H5N1, known as a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain (HPAI). Wild aquatic birds are the primary natural reservoir and infection usually rises in the winter months associated with the migratory season. The natural reservoir makes it impossible to eradicate bird flu and so controlling the source is critical to preventing its spread. 

How Do You Know How Many Cases There Have Been and Who is Monitoring It?

There have been 178 cases of Avian Influenza reported in the UK since October 2022 and 285 cases since October 2021. Cases of Avian Influenza are reported by either poultry keepers or members of the public. DEFRA then investigates, reports, and tests suspected birds. Control measures are put in place and managed by DEFRA working together with other government agencies.

While the strict housing-only rules have now been relaxed, the virus is still circulating.

Who is DEFRA?

DEFRA, which stands for the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, is an organisation that aims to improve and protect the health of our environment, and develops food production standards to ensure the health and welfare of the UK public. If you see a dead or seriously unwell bird, DEFRA is who you should inform. You SHOULD NOT touch or pick up ill or dead birds yourself, especially waterfowl. 

What Should you do if you see an injured or dead bird? 

Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease, meaning that if you see a dead or seriously ill bird or suspect Avian Influenza in a bird, you should call DEFRA and notify them immediately so measures can be taken to prevent infectious spread. 

Avoid contact with the bird, its feathers, or waste to reduce risk to yourself. 

What Measures Are Bird Keepers Expected to Follow in a prevention zone? 

Prevention zones are put in place by DEFRA to prevent spread of infection, usually where there has been a recent outbreak. At time of writing, the whole of England is in a Prevention Zone. Wherever the restrictions are applied, bird keepers must:

  • Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, using bird scarers at the edge of fences in areas, and by removing wild bird food sources.
  • Make sure feed, water, and bedding are be kept indoors or in enclosed areas to discourage access by wild birds.
  • Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures. Records should be kept of any people interacting with the birds and their environment. 
  • Keep records of any movement of egg products. 
  • Follow biosecurity rules to prevent spreading such as cleaning boots and keeping bird environments clean and tidy. Regular disinfection of concrete walkways, paths and surfaces that birds have access to. 

Is Bird Flu a risk to People too?

Yes, although rare, human infection is possible. Human infection is usually with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry. Transmission between people is not a concern at this time as the virus has not acquired the ability to sustain transmission in that way. 

Symptoms of Avian Influenza in people include: 

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

Other early symptoms may include:

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

Symptoms usually take 3-5 days after infection to become apparent. If you are concerned you may have symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Should you be worried about your pet’s health? 

Worldwide there has been evidence of bird flu “spilling over” into other species. There are reports of pet dogs contracting avian influenza, and the newspapers have been discussing viral mutations affecting seals, otters, and foxes in the UK. 

There are 3 main ways the virus has mutated to affect other species:

Infections from birds to mammals

  • This was first seen with H3N2 (now known as Dog flu) in 2007, originating in Asia where it is believed to have spread from birds to dogs. The virus spread rapidly between different regions of China to, or from South Korea and to Thailand. Later the same viral type with the same genetic makeup was found in Chicago (around 2015) and spread across the US dog population. 
  • 10 South American Bush Dogs from a captive breeding programme at a zoo in England tested positive for H5N1 Avian Influenza in March 2023. Infected wild birds are suspected to be the cause of this outbreak. There has been no evidence to suggest infection directly between the animals themselves. 
  • Foxes, seals and otters have been tested for Avian Influenza in the UK and found to be positive for the infection. 

It is believed that the source of infection for all the above examples is feeding on the carcasses of dead or infected birds. For this reason, it is considered that pet dogs at higher risk of infection include hunting dogs or those that are keen scavengers. 

Infections between mammals 

H3N8 (Horse flu) originated in horses and spread to dogs, first noted in 2004 in the USA. A widespread infection ensued affecting over 20 US states causing illness and sometimes death in affected dogs. This virus can spread between dogs and is now considered a dog-specific virus. 

Infections between mammals and humans

  • Despite the reports of mammalian infections of Avian Influenza, we have minimal evidence of Avian Influenza mutating between pets and the human population. The risk of infection from mutated viral strains found in other mammals, to humans, remains very low, although it is not zero! 
  • There are records from 2016 of a veterinarian from New York, USA, testing positive for bird flu after prolonged exposure to Avian Influenza infected, sick cats without wearing PPE (personal protective equipment). The symptoms were mild flu signs. 

The take-home here is that the risk to your pet is low, especially if you are vigilant to make sure dogs don’t scavenge around bird carcasses out on walks or in the garden. Wild garden birds are not commonly affected with waterfowl (Swans and Geese) being the greatest risk, so the risk to our cats hunting garden birds/hatchlings (baby birds emerging this Spring) is also low. 

The risk from our pets to humans is extremely low. 

How Do You Reduce the Risk for Your Dog?

  • Keep your dog on the lead in areas where there are large flocks of birds 
  • Keep your dog away from waterfowl particularly geese and swans as these species are most commonly infected
  • Prevent scavenging of any dead bird carcasses, particularly waterfowl
  • Prevention of long-term exposure to potentially infected birds or other animals 

What is The Current Status of The Bird Flu Epidemic in the UK?

The APHA (Animal Plant and Health Agency), part of DEFRA, issued a statement on 18.4.23 to all Official Veterinarians, to confirm that “the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone housing measures for poultry and captive birds in England and Wales have now been lifted but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place across GB. Housing measures will still apply if a premises is within a Protective Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring Control Zone”. 

This statement basically means that those bird keepers that wish to keep their poultry free-range or those that wish their birds to have outside access are now able to. As you have fathomed from the long history of bird flu through the years, this DOESN’T mean that bird flu has gone away; just that the ultra-strict measures to protect our captive birds are no longer deemed necessary. Bird flu is and will continue to be a concern for our wild bird population, and we should be vigilant to watch our captive bird populations for signs and symptoms whilst maintaining good biosecurity measures. 

As spring is upon us, it is perhaps prudent to mention that you should not be touching or picking up any sick or dead birds especially wild waterfowl with the particular risk being geese and swans, who are the most commonly affected species. If you have concerns for the health of a wild bird, call the RSPCA, DEFRA, or your local veterinary surgeon for advice. 

References and further reading: