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Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/...ALS-amid-fears-carrying-mutated-bird-flu.html
Health chiefs issue warning over SEALS amid fears they could be carrying mutated bird flu
UK health chiefs warned of 'increased reports' of seals infected with bird flu
The H3N8 strain, which is thought to kill half of infected, is among detected
Risk to the public is low but Britons warned to steer clear of the animals
By Emily Craig Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 13:00 EDT, 20 July 2022 | Updated: 13:09 EDT, 20 July 2022
Britons have been told to stay away from seals over fears they may be infected with deadly bird flu.
Health authorities have received 'increased reports' of the mammals carrying avian influenza.
Although human transmission is rare, scientists fear bird flu could be behind for the world's next pandemic.
As the virus spreads, it could theoretically mutate to strike humans easier — similar to how scientists think Covid originated.
Due to a lack of testing among seals, officials have no idea how big the problem is.
The risk to the public is low, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). But it warned Britons to still steer clear of the animals.
Conservationists and scientists, who are in close contact with seals for work, should wear masks and thick gloves and keep a barrier between them.
And those working with the animals have been asked to collect samples from unwell and dead seals to diagnostic labs for testing, to monitor whether the virus evolves...
Health chiefs issue warning over SEALS amid fears they could be carrying mutated bird flu
UK health chiefs warned of 'increased reports' of seals infected with bird flu
The H3N8 strain, which is thought to kill half of infected, is among detected
Risk to the public is low but Britons warned to steer clear of the animals
By Emily Craig Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 13:00 EDT, 20 July 2022 | Updated: 13:09 EDT, 20 July 2022
Britons have been told to stay away from seals over fears they may be infected with deadly bird flu.
Health authorities have received 'increased reports' of the mammals carrying avian influenza.
Although human transmission is rare, scientists fear bird flu could be behind for the world's next pandemic.
As the virus spreads, it could theoretically mutate to strike humans easier — similar to how scientists think Covid originated.
Due to a lack of testing among seals, officials have no idea how big the problem is.
The risk to the public is low, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). But it warned Britons to still steer clear of the animals.
Conservationists and scientists, who are in close contact with seals for work, should wear masks and thick gloves and keep a barrier between them.
And those working with the animals have been asked to collect samples from unwell and dead seals to diagnostic labs for testing, to monitor whether the virus evolves...
