Highly pathogenic H5N1 in Suffolk

Bar-headed Goose: In Asia outbreaks are still being reported from China amongst both poultry and wild birds. The wild birds have involved large numbers of Bar-headed Geese (photo: Sue Tranter).

Once again highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu has hit the headlines with the confirmation of its presence on a poultry farm at Holton, near Halesworth, Suffolk. The cause of the outbreak is being investigated and no doubt the media will attempt to link it in some way to wild birds. However, it is likely that any such poultry farm would have safeguards in place to prevent the interaction of their stock with the outside world. It is more than likely that the outbreak reflects modern farming practices than the movements of wild birds, in which there appear to have been no confirmed cases in Europe this winter.

As always birdwatchers are asked to be vigilant and are urged to report any unusual cases of bird mortality. If you do find any unusual cases, please report them to Defra on 08459 335577. However, don't get carried away and report every single dead bird that you come across - it is unusual cases of mortality that Defra are interested in, though they are also interested in reports of single dead swans.

In Britain H5N1 last hit the headlines in spring last year when a dead Whooper Swan was found off Fife. Since then the number of new H5N1 cases in Europe has declined greatly. During the last year there were a number of cases in the Black Sea region, and more recently into West Africa. How the disease has spread is still unclear. The cases in Europe last winter may well have been linked to cold-weather movements involving birds arriving in Europe from further east. However, there are also suspicions that the movement of both poultry and cage-birds are also responsible.

Most of the recent outbreaks have been from Romania. In Asia outbreaks are still being reported from China amongst both poultry and wild birds. The wild birds have involved large numbers of Bar-headed Geese.

Don't panic though; H5N1 is a disease of birds. It is of great concern for the poultry industry but does not appear to be a major issue for human health in the UK. Whilst deaths have occurred in other countries, the numbers of cases have been very low and have been confined to people in very close contact to infected poultry. The advice is that there is no danger from eating well-cooked poultry and there is certainly no danger from normal birdwatching activities. As always sensible basic hygiene should be practiced if you do come into closer contact with birds.

If you are unsure about anything to do with H5N1 please visit the Defra website or visit the BTO website.