London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Dec 04, 2023

Avian flu spills over from birds to mammals in UK

Avian flu spills over from birds to mammals in UK

The largest ever outbreak of bird flu is spilling over into mammals, including otters and foxes in the UK.

Figures released to the BBC show the virus has led to the death of about 208 million birds around the world and at least 200 recorded cases in mammals.

Public health bosses warn the mutation in mammals could see a jump to humans but the risk to the public is very low.

There will now be more targeted surveillance and testing of animals and humans exposed to the virus in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) still advises that avian flu is primarily a disease of birds, but experts across the globe are looking at the risks of it spilling over into other species.

Worldwide, the virus has been found in a range of mammals, including grizzly bears in America and mink in Spain, as well as in dolphin and seals.

In the UK, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has tested 66 mammals, including seals, and found nine otters and foxes were positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Cases have been found in Durham, Cheshire and Cornwall in England; Powys in Wales; Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and Fife, Scotland.

It is believed they had fed on dead or sick wild birds infected with the virus.

The animals were found to have a mutation of the virus that could make it easier to infect mammals, but there was no evidence of transmission between mammals.

The APHA added that there was "a very low likelihood of any widespread infection in GB mammals".

Prof Ian Brown, APHA's director of scientific services, said: "A sick or a dead wild bird contains an awful lot of virus. So scavenging mammals that will be opportunistic and predate on dead or sick birds will be exposed to very large quantities of virus. That gives a possibility for the virus to enter a host population that it doesn't normally maintain in."

Prof Brown said that the UK's national avian flu taskforce was now ramping up its surveillance of cases in mammals and genome analysis of the virus itself while keeping a close eye on its spread in global populations of wild birds.

"The virus is absolutely on the march. And it's almost remarkable - it's a single strain," he said, adding that greater international action to tackle its spread was needed.

He told the BBC he was "acutely aware of the risks" of avian flu becoming a pandemic like Covid-19.

He said: "This global spread is a concern. We do need globally to look at new strategies, those international partnerships, to get on top of this disease.

"If we don't solve the problem across the globe, we're going to continue to have that risk."

Prof Ian Brown says there needs to be closer international co-operation

Since October 2021, when the latest outbreak began, there have been five confirmed human cases of the H5N1 virus, including one in the UK, and one death, in China.

Last month, a nine-year old girl in Ecuador was found to be infected with avian influenza A(H5).

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that, in the past 20 years, there have been almost 870 cases of human infection with the avian influenza H5N1 virus reported from 21 countries. Of these, 457 were fatal.

It said the virus has "not acquired the ability for sustained transmission among humans. Thus the likelihood of human-to-human spread is low."

But it added: "Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continues to stress the importance of global surveillance to detect and monitor virological, epidemiological, and clinical changes associated with emerging or circulating influenza viruses that may affect human (or animal) health, and timely virus-sharing for risk assessment."

Dr Wenqing Zhang, the head of WHO's global influenza programme, said of the threat posed by the virus spilling over: "It is very concerning and the risk has been increasing over the years as reflected in the number of outbreaks in animals as well as a number of infections in humans."

Intergovernmental organisation the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) told the BBC it has recorded almost 42 million individual cases in domestic and wild birds since the outbreak began in October 2021.

Almost 15 million domestic birds, including poultry, have died from the disease, and more than 193 million more have been culled.

It also shows 119 outbreaks affecting mammals, with about 200 individual cases recorded - although a WOAH spokesperson warned the spread to mammals was likely to be under-reported.

Dr Gregorio Torres, WOAH's head of science, said there had been an increase in reports of non-avian species being affected by the virus over the past 18 months.

He said it "could be a signal of very sensitive surveillance - an indicator that we are doing a good job".

But he added: "On the other hand, it could also be an indicator that there is a change in the epidemiology of the disease or a change in the dynamic of the disease. And that will require close monitoring.

"There is a risk for further transmission between species and we cannot underestimate the potential adaptation to humans."

In a recent report, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that the "rapid and consistent acquisition of the mutation in mammals may imply this virus has a propensity to cause zoonotic infections", meaning it could jump to humans.

The agency also raised concerns about limited wild bird and mammal surveillance and genomic data collection in England, and warned that there was not enough testing of people who had been contact with infected birds.

It is now looking to develop new ways of testing humans who have been exposed to the disease but may be asymptomatic

Dr Meera Chand, incident director for avian influenza at UKHSA, said: "Latest evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses currently circulating in birds do not spread easily to people. We remain vigilant for any evidence of changing risk.

"There have recently been some detections of avian influenza viruses in a small number of mammals in the UK. However, the risk assessment conducted by UKHSA and partners did not identify any signals of increased risk to the general public from avian influenza at present."

Meanwhile, the public is being warned not to touch any dead or sick birds, but to report any dead birds of prey, three or more dead wild waterfowl or gulls or five or more dead birds of any species that they find to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Newsletter

Related Articles

London Daily
Close
0:00
0:00
Ant and Dec, our favorite jungle jesters, have thrown a curveball. They're suggesting a 'politician-free' season of 'I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!'
You Are So Beautiful
Trump’s lawyers say he did not take an oath ‘to support the Constitution’
Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Henry Kissinger, the influential American diplomat, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and former Secretary of State, passed away at 100 at his Connecticut home.
An old French tune (by Georges Brassens) Pomplamoose ft. John Schroeder
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Parnpreeb Commends ICRC's Role in Hostage Release
Sattahip Motor Show 20
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
SONATE AU CLAIR DE LUNE - Moonlight sonata
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto exchange FTX who was convicted of fraud earlier this month, is adjusting to his new life in the detention center where he awaits sentencing.
A kiss to build a dream on
The political network founded by the billionaire industrialist brothers Charles and David Koch has endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential nominating contest
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's longtime investing partner, dies at 99
Mean Blues
Robert De Niro told an awards ceremony a speech he was reading had been edited without his knowledge, removing critical comments about Donald Trump
La Chansonnette
Standard Chartered is in the early stages of a search for its next chair as the bank prepares for the departure of Jose Vinals, who’s entering his eighth year in the role
Pattaya Addicts
Eurostar to Suspend Amsterdam to London Service for 6 Months
Franz Liszt - Liebestraum - Love Dream
California is not considered a racist place. Or so it seems.
Dream a little dream of me
Sam Altman's return to OpenAI marks a significant turn of events for Microsoft and its relationship with the AI giant.
Unchained Melody sung like you've NEVER heard!
Radical immigrants set on fire police cars and loot shops in Dublin.
Dave Brubeck - Take Five
The BBC Caught Again with Questionable Journalistic Standards, as Ugly Facts Undermine Its Attractive Yet Flawed Arguments
Édith Piaf - Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Sofie)
This video reveals that Target's Black Friday promotions are entirely fake, with no actual discounts. The prices before and after are identical!
Rondo Alla Turca
Israel's Spokesperson Mark Regev's Response to Comparisons Between Palestinian Teenage Terrorists and Young Innocent Victims of Hamas Captivity
Kiss of fire
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
Tom Jones - I´ll Never Fall In Love Again 1967, 1989, 2001
Here is a video showing the moment of the release of the captives by the terrorist organization Hamas and their transfer to the Red Cross on their way back to the State of Israel.
Israel Cachao López - Guajira Clásica
Bill Gates Envisions a Possible 3-Day Work Week with AI
Edward Maya - Stereo Love (feat. Vika Jigulina) (Extended Mix)
Viktor Orban's Provocative Assertions and Their Significance in Europe
Strauss - Radetzky March - Karajan
Orban's Blunt Challenge to Brussels: Embracing National Sovereignty in Migration Policy
La vie en rose
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
The Temptations - My Girl (Smokey Robinson Tribute) 2006 Kennedy Cent
OpenAI Staff Rebellion: 500 Employees Demand Board Resignation in Dramatic Standoff
Orlando Cachaito Lopez Redencion
Over 200 Convicted in Italy's 'Ndrangheta Mafia Trial
Edith Piaf - NON, JE NE REGRETTE RIEN
In a scandalous revelation at the COVID-19 inquiry, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under fire for an alleged remark that suggests a chilling indifference to human life during the pandemic
RADETZKY MARCH-2008-Wien, New Year Concert
Abu Dhabi-Backed Fund Poised to Assume Control of UK's Telegraph Media Group
Only you (And you alone)
Sam Altman and Greg Brockman Join Microsoft Amidst OpenAI Developments
Strangers In The Night
Reporters Without Borders Unveils News Platform to Counter Russian Propaganda
Charles Aznavour - La Boheme
Singer Shakira will pay a fine of eight million euros after being accused of evading taxes worth 14.5 million euros during the years 2012-2014.
Summer time
Hungary's Orbán Asserts Ukraine Is Far from EU Membership
Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile (from Sting's 60th birthday concert)
Racial Bias in AI Leads to Wrongful Arrest Due to False Recognition
Aux Champs Elysees
Orban Stresses Hungary's Need to Reform the EU Rather Than Exiting It
Stand By Me - Ben E. King (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Biden Advocates for Palestinian Authority to Govern Gaza and West Bank
La Mer (Beyond the Sea) – Avalon Jazz Band
Brigitte Macron Opens Up About Her Marriage to Younger President Emmanuel Macron
She
Apple and Disney Halt Ads on X Following Elon Musk's Antisemitic Post, US Reacts
Nathalie Song by Enzo Petrachi Stjepan Hauser Cello
Finland Shuts Four Crossing Points on Russia Border
Shape of My Heart - Sting (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
Radiohead - Creep
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
Quizás,Quizás,Quizás - Andrea Bocelli - Jennifer Lopez
YouTube has introduced an AI feature named Dream Track that can mimic the voices of celebrities such as Demi Lovato and John Legend, enabling users to compose brief songs by specifying lyrics and mood
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Multi-Couples
Viktor Orbán Welcomes Cameron's Political Return
Pentatonix Havana
The UK’s Supreme Court, in a move that surprised no one who respects international law and human rights, has just delivered a landmark ruling against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
AWS, Google, and Microsoft to Invest $8.5 Billion in Thailand
Oscar Benton Bensonhurst Blues
Top German journalist received €600,000 from Putin ally, leak reveals
OH NANANA vs ABUSADAMENTE
A Dramatic Video from Gaza, Provided by IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Offers Undeniable Evidence of Hamas Establishing Terror Operation Bases Near Schools, Above Hospitals, and Inside Civilian Areas.
Nina Simone - ”I Put A Spell On You”. Vezi aici cum cântă Jeremy Ragsd
FBI Agents Confiscate Electronic Devices of New York Mayor
NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera
Moody's Downgrades U.S. Credit Outlook to Negative Amid Fiscal Concerns
Motorshow 2016 Tanjay Negros Oriental
Significant security measures set in place by Scotland Yard this Remembrance weekend in London
Monica Bellucci - Ti Amo
Paper straws found to contain long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals - study
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Milena The Voice France 2018
FTX's Bankman-Fried headed for jail after judge revokes bail
Michael Buble (Help Me Make It Through The Night) feat Loren Allred
Memories Canon In D - Maroon 5 (Boyce Avenue piano acoustic cover)
Matteo Simoni - Marina
Maroon 5 - One More Night
Maroon 5 - Memories
Mark Knopfler - Brothers In Arms (Berlin 2007 Live)
Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Romeo And Juliet (Real Live Roadrunni
Marina, Marina - The LUCKY DUCKIES intimist live concert at Guimarães
Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On Mauranne The Voice France 2016
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet - Joslin - Henri Mancini, Nino Rota
LoLa & Hauser - Love Story
Linkin Park Jay-Z - Numb Encore (Live 8 2005)
Hallelujah Mennel Ibtissem, The Voice France Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love
Leonard Cohen & Natasha Rostova - Dance me to the end of love
La casa de papel - Bella Ciao
La Camisa Negra
L'italiano (Toto Cutugno) - The Gypsy Queens
Juanes - La Camisa Negra
Jonathan and Charlotte - Britain's Got Talent 2012 Live Semi Final - U
John Powell - Assassin's Tango
Joe Cocker - You Can Leave Your Hat On (LIVE in Dortmund)
Joe Cocker - Unchain My Heart 2002 Live
Joe Cocker - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Jay Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind LIVE
Jason Mraz - Im Yours (live)
Jarrod Radnich - Bohemian Rhapsody - Virtuosic Piano Solo
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
James Blunt - You're Beautiful & Bonfire Heart (Live at The Nobel Peac)
If You Go Away - Helen Merrill & Stan Getz (Tribute to Virna Lisi)
I'LL BE MISSING YOU
I Say a Little Prayer
Hotel California ( Eagles ) 1994 Live
Historia de un amor - Luz Casal. Vezi interpretarea Biancăi Sumanariu
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover) on Spot
Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors
HAVANA by Camila Cabello Zumba Pre Cooldown TML Crew Kramer Pastra
HAUSER and Señorita - I Will Always Love You
HAUSER - Waka Waka
HAUSER - Sway
HAUSER - Lambada
HAUSER - Historia de un Amor
HAUSER - Despacito
Great Pretender
Georgia May Foote & Giovanni Pernice Samba to 'Volare' - Strictly Come
Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
GIPSY KINGS VOLARE Penelope Cruz
Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
French Latino - Historia de un Amor
For A Few Dollars More The Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Live)
Flashdance • What a Feeling • Irene Cara
Filip Rudan - “Someone You Loved” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sez
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Enya - Only Time
Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (English Version) ft. Sean Paul
Enrique Iglesias - Bailamos
Elena Yerevan Historia de un amor
Ed Sheeran - Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Ed Sheeran - Perfect Symphony [with Andrea Bocelli]
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
Easy On Me - Adele (Boyce Avenue 90’s style piano acoustic cover) on S
ERA - Ameno
ELENA YEREVAN- Cancion Del Mariachi-IN STUDIO-2017 DPR
Dust In The Wind - Kansas (Boyce Avenue acoustic cover)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Despacito x Shape Of You - Pentatonix
Deep Purple - Child In Time - Live (1970)
David Foster When A Man Loves A WomanIt's A Mans World (SealMichael Bo
Dance me to the end of Love ( Pi-Air Design )
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video]
Conquest Of Paradise (Vangelis), played on Böhm Emporio organ
Cielito Lindo
Chico & The Gypsies - Bamboleo
Canción Del Mariachi - Antonio Banderas, Los Lobos • Desperado
Camila Cabello - Havana (Audio) ft. Young Thug
Camila Cabello - Havana ( cover by J.Fla )
California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas José Feliciano (Boyce Ave
Buster Benton - Money Is The Name of The Game
Hallelujah Pentatonix
Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)
Bob Dylan - Knockin' On Heaven's Door Emilia The Voice Kids France
Besame Mucho - Cesaria Evora
Ben E. King - Stand by Me Sax Cover Alexandra Ilieva Thomann
Bella Ciao
Bella Ciao - INSTRUMENTAL
Beautiful in White x Canon in D (Piano Cover by Riyandi Kusuma)
Bad Romance - Vintage 1920's Gatsby Style Lady Gaga Cover ft. Ariana Savalas & Sarah Reich(1)
BELLA CIAO 2020 - KARAOKE ITALIANO
BAMBOLEO - Gipsy Kings • Antonio Banderas, Katya Virshilas
BAILANDO (original)
Awesome Ukrainian yodeler - SOFIA SHKIDCHENKO (with English subtitles)
Avicii - The Nights
Atom - The Great Gig in the Sky
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Ly
Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi (Desperado)
André Rieu - Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki)
André Rieu - Can't Help Falling In Love
André Rieu & Mirusia - Ave Maria
Andrew Reyes Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down The Voice 2020 (
Andreas Kümmert Whiter Shade Of Pale The Voice of Germany 2013 Showd
And I Love You So
All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox European Tour Version
Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Cover)
Ain't No Sunshine -- Bill Withers (cover by Canen 12 y.o.)
African music
Adriana Vidović - “Creep” Audicija 4 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
Adriana Vidović - “Believer” Nokaut 3 The Voice Hrvatska Sezona 3
A Fistful of Dollars - The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and Tuva
4 Beautiful Soundtracks Relaxing Piano [10min]
2CELLOS - Whole Lotta Love vs. Beethoven 5th Symphony [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2CELLOS - Smooth Criminal (Live at Suntory Hall, Tokyo)
2CELLOS - Smells Like Teen Spirit [Live at Sydney Opera House]
2CELLOS - Despacito [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu
094.All About That Bass
00 - SADNESS PART 1
(Ghost) Riders In the Sky (American Outlaws Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams (Boyce Avenue ft. Conn
What a wonderful world
Moon river
×