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UK - Government confirms an avian flu type H5 human case - January 6, 2022
The UK Health Security Agency said it is "extremely rare" for strains of avian influenza to pass from birds to humans.
A person in the South West of England has been confirmed as having contracted bird flu, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
In a statement, the agency said that it is "extremely rare" for strains of avian influenza to pass from birds to humans.
They added: "The person acquired the infection from very close, regular contact with a large number of infected birds, which they kept in and around their home over a prolonged period of time.
"The only security we have is our ability to adapt."
BIRD FLU has infected a worker in the South West of England.
The case was detected after the Animal and Plant health Agency (APHA) identified an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in a flock of birds.
The infected birds have all been culled.
As a precaution, the UKHSA swabbed the person involved and detected low levels of flu.
Further lab analysis showed that the virus was the 'H5' type found in birds.
The UKHSA said that, at this point, it has not been possible to confirm that this is a H5N1 infection (the strain that is currently circulating in birds in the UK).
"The only security we have is our ability to adapt."
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed a case of avian influenza in a person in the South West of England.
From:UK Health Security AgencyPublished6 January 2022
Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK.
The person acquired the infection from very close, regular contact with a large number of infected birds, which they kept in and around their home over a prolonged period of time.
All contacts of the individual, including those who visited the premises, have been traced and there is no evidence of onward spread of the infection to anyone else. The individual is currently well and self-isolating.
The risk to the wider public from avian flu continues to be very low. However, people should not touch sick or dead birds.
Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a type of influenza that spreads among birds. The UK has recently seen a large number of outbreaks and incidents of avian influenza in birds across the country of the H5N1 strain and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer have issued alerts to bird owners.
Some strains of bird flu can pass from birds to people, but this is extremely rare. It usually requires close contact with an infected bird, so the risk to humans is generally considered very low. Human-to-human transmission of bird flu is very rare.
The case was detected after APHA identified an outbreak of outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian flu in their flock of birds. Their infection was identified through the routine monitoring which is conducted on anyone who has close contact with infected birds. The infected birds have all been culled.
In line with the highly precautionary approach that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) takes to identifying and stopping the transmission of avian flu, UKHSA swabbed this person and detected low levels of flu. Further laboratory analysis revealed that the virus was the ‘H5’ type, found in birds.
At this point it has not been possible to confirm that this is a H5N1 infection (the strain that is currently circulating in birds in the UK). Based on the available evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been notified.
This is the first human case of this strain in the UK, although there have been cases elsewhere globally.
Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:
While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action.
Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread.
It remains critical that people do not touch sick or dead birds, and that they follow the DEFRA advice about reporting.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said:
While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises.
We took swift action to limit the spread of the disease at the site in question, all infected birds have been humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises is underway. This is a reminder that stringent cleanliness when keeping animals is important.
We are seeing a growing number of cases in birds on both commercial farms and in backyard flocks across the country. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity measures will help keep your birds safe.
UKHSA follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action.
People are also offered anti-viral treatment after exposure to infected birds. This is to stop the virus reproducing in their body if they have picked it up and should prevent them from becoming unwell. It also helps reduce the risk of passing the infection on to others.
We also swab people even if they don’t have symptoms, to help our surveillance programmes and make sure we identify anyone infected so that we can take action to control any risk of transmission.
First UK human bird flu case is self-isolating in South West
The UK's chief vet has issued a warning to bird owners
ByWilliam MorganTrainee reporter
15:37, 6 JAN 2022
NEWS
UK health chiefs have confirmed that the nation's first-ever case of avian flu has been identified in the South West.
...
Though UKHSA has not identified the south west county where the outbreak has occurred, the only two exclusion zones in the south west are currently in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
...
Within these exclusion zones, called Avian Influenza Prevention Zones, bird owners are required to keep their birds indoors to prevent mixing with wild birds.
These zones were introduced in November 2021, when cases of H5N1 were identified among British domestic bird populations.
The Gloucestershire zone extends from the M50 to the outskirts of Quedgeley.
In Wiltshire, the zone extends from near Cirencester to the centre of Swindon.
...
The UK's chief vet has issued a warning to bird owners
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Avian influenza (bird flu): cases and disease control zones in England
Current and suspected cases of avian influenza (bird flu) in the UK and the disease control measures in place.
From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
4 November 2021 Last updated
5 January 2022 — See all updates
...
When avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds, disease control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease. Within these zones a range of restrictions on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping can apply.
Definitive requirements are set out in the published declarations for each disease control zone currently in force. For further information see our cases and disease control zones section.
General or specific licences allow the movement of birds, products of animal origin or mammals from zones. This page lists the licences when available.
See the avian influenza guidance for information on how to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) including housing measures is in force across the UK. See the avian influenza guidance for more information.
Cases and disease control zones
The government has confirmed 63 cases of avian influenza H5N1 in England. There is also 1 premises where H5N1 is suspected.
There was also 1 case of avian influenza in Wales where a small area of the disease control zones around this case extended into England. In addition there are 2 cases of avian influenza in Scotland where a small area of the surveillance zone surrounding each case extends into England.
Find bird flu disease control zones and the rules you must follow in each zone.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Bird flu in Devon: Locals react after resident tests positive for disease - live updates
It comes after a 79-year old in the area tested positive for Bird Flu
ByFrankie MillsChloe ParkmanFrankie Mills
UPDATED12:07, 7 JAN 2022
...
Duck expert and retired railway worker Alan Gosling, from Buckfastleigh, looked on helplessly as a team in hazmat suits killed all 20 of his beloved ducks on New Year's Day, after they fell ill.
After DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) heard about Alan's poorly ducks, 160 local ducks tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian flu.
Originally, the ducks were part of a large flock living outside Alan's home, but 20 of them joined Alan as pets inside his home after he began feeding and be-friending them, along with another 100 on his property.
Alan was told to take a test for avian flu and a number of other illnesses - while not all of his results are back, the swabs have so far confirmed that he has the general flu virus and the H5N1 strain of avian flu - a first in the UK.
...
It comes after a 79-year old in the area tested positive for Bird Flu
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Alan Gosling, man in Devon with bird flu, is isolating
By Lisa Young @SouthWestFarmer
Content editor
...
Alan said this morning (January 7) that he is feeling "absolutely fine - but very lonely."
He said: "As far as health is concerned, I'm fine, but I can't stop thinking about the ducks.
"I'm as fit and healthy now as I was donkeys years ago, because looking after the ducks kept me busy and active every day.
...
"They all had different stories - and then I had to watch them being killed and I couldn't do anything to help them.
...
The UK's bird flu 'patient zero' says he feels well but is very lonely - as the first photo of him in isolation is released.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Devon's bird flu 'patient zero' tests negative but remains in isolation
Alan Gosling who is the UK's 'patient zero' is unsure whether he can come out of his home in Buckfastleigh
ByDanya BazaraaFiona JacksonLili Stebbings
14:51, 10 JAN 2022
...
Alan, 79, from Buckfastleigh has been told his latest test had come out negative and he is now free of the avian strain.
However despite now testing negative, it is still unclear whether his 18-day isolation can come to an end.
Dad-of-three Alan was put into isolation in his Buckfastleigh home on December 22.
After receiving the call to tell him he was negative he said: "I had a roar with laughter when they said to me! I thought, 'are you joking?'
...
"I’m fine, I've got no aches and pains or anything. They keep ringing me and asking me how I feel and I say I feel perfect.
...
Alan Gosling who is the UK's 'patient zero' is unsure whether he can come out of his home in Buckfastleigh
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Influenza A (H5) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
14 January 2022
On 6 January 2022, the International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland notified WHO of the detection of a laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5) from South West England.
The case lived with a large number of domestically kept birds which had onset of illness on 18 December 2021, and subsequently tested positive with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) by the United Kingdom National Reference Laboratory at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Weybridge laboratory. As part of routine follow up of exposed persons to avian influenza cases, an upper respiratory swab was taken from the case on 24 December 2021 which tested positive for influenza A with subtyping H5. Further characterization of the virus is ongoing. This result was reproduced on two successive upper respiratory swabs collected during the following days. The case has remained clinically asymptomatic and is now considered to not be infectious.
Following successful virus isolation from samples collected from birds on the infected premises, APHA analyzed full genome sequence data for the HPAI A(H5N1) virus present in these birds. Genomic analysis demonstrated that the sequence generated contained no strong correlates for specific increased affinity for humans.
Public health response
All contacts have been identified and managed according to the national public health protocols. None of the contacts have reported symptoms and no evidence of secondary transmission has been identified to date.
The infected premises were visited by APHA personnel who completed culling of all the birds. Several measures including complete decontamination and cleaning of the outside of the property have been completed.
A three-kilometer captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone was declared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs around the infected premises. The zone will remain in place for at least 21 days following the completion of preliminary cleansing and disinfection and will not be lifted until surveillance activities including clinical inspections of all commercial premises in the zone have been undertaken.
WHO risk assessment
Since 2003, a total of 863 cases and 455 deaths of influenza A(H5N1) human infection have been reported worldwide, including this case in the United Kingdom. The most recently reported case in humans prior to the current case, was in October 2020 in Lao People's Democratic Republic in a one-year-old female who had exposure to backyard poultry (for more details, please see the Disease Outbreak News published on 17 November 2020).
Since 1 October 2021, there have been 73 poultry cases and 471 detections in individual wild birds of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1)
This is the first reported case of human infection of influenza A(H5) infection in the United Kingdom. The case remained clinically asymptomatic. The virus has not been detected beyond this single case. Public health measures from both the human and animal health agencies have been implemented. Based on available information, WHO assesses the risk to the general population posed by this virus to be low and for occupationally exposed persons it is considered to be low-to-moderate.
There are no specific vaccines for preventing Influenza A(H5N1) in humans. Candidate vaccines to prevent H5 infection in humans have been developed for pandemic preparedness purposes. Close analysis of the epidemiological situation, further characterization of the most recent viruses (human and poultry) and serological investigations are critical to assess associated risk and to adjust risk management measures in a timely manner.
WHO advice
This case does not change the current WHO recommendations on public health measures and surveillance of influenza.
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 with timely sharing of such viruses and related information for risk assessment.
All human infections caused by a novel influenza subtype are notifiable under the International Health Regulations (IHR) and State Parties to the IHR (2005) are required to immediately notify WHO of any laboratory-confirmed case of a recent human infection caused by an influenza A virus with the potential to cause a pandemic. Evidence of illness is not required for this report (for more details, please see Case definitions for the four diseases requiring notification in all circumstances under the International Health Regulations (2005)).
In the case of a confirmed or suspected human infection caused by a novel influenza virus with pandemic potential, including a variant virus, a thorough epidemiological investigation (even while awaiting the confirmatory laboratory results) of history of exposure to animals, of travel, and contact tracing should be conducted. The epidemiological investigation should include early identification of unusual respiratory events that could signal person-to-person transmission of the novel virus and clinical samples collected from the time and place that the case occurred should be tested and sent to a WHO Collaboration Center for further characterization.
When avian influenza viruses are circulating in an area, people involved in specific high-risk activities such as sampling sick birds, culling and disposing of infected birds, eggs, litters and cleaning of contaminated premises should be trained on the proper use of and provided with appropriate personal protective equipment. All persons involved in these activities should be registered and monitored closely by local health authorities for seven days following the last day of contact with poultry or their environments.
Travelers to countries with known outbreaks of animal influenza should avoid farms, contact with animals in live animal markets, entering areas where animals may be slaughtered, or contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal feces. Travelers should wash their hands often with soap and water. Travelers should also follow good food safety and good food hygiene practices. Should infected individuals from affected areas travel internationally, their infection may be detected in another country during travel or after arrival. If this were to occur, further community level spread is considered unlikely as this virus has not acquired the ability to transmit easily among humans.
WHO does not recommend any restriction on travel and/or trade with the United Kingdom based on the currently available information.
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