Bird Flu: UK Farmers Ordered to House birds as Virus Spreads, Expert Warns of Potential Mutation
London, UK – The UK is taking steps to curb a widespread outbreak of avian influenza, with all bird keepers now required to house their flocks. The move comes as experts warn the virus must be continually monitored for potential mutations that could increase its transmissibility to humans.
While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) maintains the risk to public health remains “very low,” and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) states properly-cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat, Professor Brown emphasized the ever-present possibility of viral change.
“The good news is, basically, these viruses are still bird viruses. They don’t want to be in a human,” he said. “We have to continually monitor the virus, because it’s an influenza virus and influenza viruses change. Even when they’re happy in a species such as birds they still undergo changes. They make mistakes and errors when they replicate. So that could always spew out a variant that might be more infectious for humans.”
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss urged all bird keepers to adhere to the new housing measures and implement “robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
“I appreciate the impact these measures have on industry and am extremely grateful for the continued cooperation of the poultry sector,” Middlemiss stated. “We certainly know from previous years that housing birds will bring the rates of infection down from the high we are currently experiencing.”
Industry leaders have voiced support for the measures.Richard Griffiths, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, called the housing order “the right move at the right time,” and Gary Ford, from the British free Range Egg Producers Association, said it provided “the clarity and consistency that producers have been calling for.”
avian influenza,commonly known as bird flu,is a highly contagious viral disease affecting various bird species. outbreaks can lead to critically important economic losses for poultry farmers and pose a threat to wild bird populations.The current outbreak has prompted increased vigilance and preventative measures across the UK.
