At the end of September, 20 infected pheasants were discovered in Wychavon, Worcestershire, prompting the government to issue new guidance regarding bird flu. The situation has resulted in an elevated risk level shifting from low to medium for wild birds.
In light of these developments, bird keepers are being urged to stay vigilant. However, officials indicate that there are currently no significant public health risks associated with the disease. The recent detections were confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which reported no known outbreaks among poultry or captive birds at this time.
Cases of bird flu have also surfaced in regions such as the Shetland Isles, Northumberland, and Norfolk over recent weeks, each involving no more than five birds. Additional bird species affected lately include herring gulls and great skuas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has assessed the risk to public health as very low. Similarly, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed that the risk of bird flu affecting food safety is minimal for consumers. They assured that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Defra noted that the recent outbreaks in wild birds have predominantly involved the H5N1 strain, but the H5N5 strain is expected to make its appearance this season, following previous findings in Great Britain and recent detections in Europe. They emphasized that the overall risk of poultry exposure to the H5 strain in Great Britain remains low or very low, contingent on implemented biosecurity measures.
In response to these concerns, new legislation was passed this month requiring anyone who keeps outdoor birds in England and Wales to register them. Those who fail to comply risk facing fines or imprisonment, though officials from the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency reassured that any penalties would be proportionate. Previously, registration was only mandatory for individuals with flocks of 50 or more birds.
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