Latest news with #H5N6
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird flu cases detected in seagulls in Cumbrian town
BIRD flu has been detected in a West Cumbrian town. Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners have confirmed that bird flu cases have been confirmed in the town. It is reported that the cases are affecting seagulls at the harbour. People are warned to take precautions when visiting the area, especially if walking a dog around the harbour. A Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners spokesman said: "Positive cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have been reported in the Whitehaven Harbour area. "There's no need to panic, but we kindly ask everyone to follow DEFRA's safety advice." Members of the public are urged to keep dogs on the lead at all times; do not touch wild birds; do not feed the birds; and wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with birds or droppings. Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners added: "We know it can be upsetting to see sick or injured birds but please do not approach or handle them. "For birds found on the Harbour, contact our office at 01946 590515 – a team member will help, or you can leave a message. "For birds in the water, please call Whitehaven Marina at 01946 692435. Thanks for helping keep our wildlife and community safe." The NHS says that bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. There are lots of different strains of the bird flu virus. Most of them don't infect humans. The NHS website states: "Plans are in place to manage any suspected cases of bird flu in the UK. "H5N8 and H5N1 bird flu have been found in some poultry, other captive birds and wild birds in the UK. "H5N6 has also been found in some wild birds in the UK, but this is a different strain to the H5N6 virus that has infected some people in China."
The Star
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Philippines confirms first case of H5N9 bird flu
MANILA: The Philippines has detected its first case of the H5N9 strain of bird flu, according to a report released Wednesday (May 7) by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The infection was found in ducks from Camaligan, Camarines Sur, marking the latest strain of avian influenza to reach the country. The Department of Agriculture (DA), which oversees the BAI, confirmed that laboratory tests showed positive results for the highly pathogenic Type A Subtype H5N9 virus. Although the strain is known to spread rapidly and cause severe illness in birds, the DA stated that it poses only a low risk to humans unless there is prolonged and repeated exposure. First identified in the United States earlier this year, the H5N9 virus is believed to be a mutation of previously circulating bird flu strains. In the Philippines, local livestock have already been affected by other variants, including H5N1, H5N2, and H5N6. The last recorded outbreak occurred in January and involved the H5N2 strain in Camarines Norte, affecting 15 out of 428 backyard ducks, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. In response to the latest case, the BAI has rolled out immediate containment efforts in the Bicol Region. These include quarantine enforcement, culling of infected birds, heightened surveillance, and coordination with local government units and the Department of Health to monitor for any possible human transmission. The DA added that extended disease control measures are being carried out within a 1-kilometre and a 7-kilometre radius of the outbreak site. These include thorough cleaning and disinfection to curb further spread of the virus. As of April 25, avian influenza continues to affect four regions and eight provinces, including Kalinga, Benguet, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan, Laguna, and Manila. The Philippines first reported bird flu in 2005 during a global wave of poultry infections. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Peregrine found dead amid new case of bird flu
A PEREGRINE falcon has been found dead in Christchurch amid an new outbreak of bird flu. The female bird of prey was found at the Priory having only laid eggs in the nest three weeks earlier. The Priory said: 'Sad news today - we're very sorry to have to let you know that our female peregrine has died. 'Members of the Priory staff team are in touch with the appropriate authorities. 'To anticipate the questions, nothing is known at present,' and added any information will be shared once known. Dorset Police said it is not investigating the death. It's not known whether bird flu is what caused the death of the peregrine. Meanwhile, it's understood two swans and a cygnet were also found dead in Mudeford last week. A BCP Council spokesman said: 'We are aware of a recent confirmed case of avian flu in a dead wild bird found in the BCP area. 'The risk of avian flu passing from infected dead birds to humans is low. 'Residents are advised not to touch dead wild birds and to report any dead wild birds to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or by visiting .' Residents should let the Defra helpline know if they find a single bird of prey, including owls, or three or more dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls. They should also contact Defra if five or more dead birds of any other species are spotted. Defra remains tight-lipped about whether bird flu has been noted in the area, saying it is unable to comment on any testing or reports of bird flu. The Animal and Plant Health Agency, part of Defra, carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols as part of its wild bird surveillance programme. The RSPCA has not had any reports of dead swans or peregrines in Christchurch. The RSPB has been approached for a comment but did not respond. Last month, a confirmed case of bird flu was found at Longham Lakes. Bird flu, also known as avian flu is a virus that has been around for a number of years in the UK. It is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and in rare cases, it can affect humans. There are many different types of bird flu viruses and many of them don't infect humans. However, there are four strains that have caused concern in recent years. The NHS says although H5N1, H7N9 and H5N6 don't easily infect people and aren't usually spread by human contact, there have been several people infected around the world, resulting in a number of deaths.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Can humans catch bird flu? See what the symptoms are and NHS advice
Bird flu, also known as avian flu is a virus that has been around for a number of years in the UK. It is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and in rare cases, it can affect humans. The UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) has recently confirmed a person in the West Midlands has contracted the virus after 'close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds". The NHS says there are symptoms of bird flu to look out for (Image: Canva) Bird flu can affect humans but it depends on the strain of the virus, the NHS has said. There are many different types of bird flu viruses and many of them don't infect humans. However, there are four strains that have caused concern in recent years: H5N1 (since 1997) H7N9 (since 2013) H5N6 (since 2014) H5N8 (since 2016) The NHS says although H5N1, H7N9 and H5N6 don't easily infect people and aren't usually spread by human contact, there have been several people infected around the world, resulting in a number of deaths. The H5N1 virus is the most prevalent strain in circulation at the moment. How did we detect the latest case of #BirdFlu? Human cases are rare, but our surveillance systems ensure we're prepared. 🐦 Our blog post covers everything you need to know about how we're monitoring outbreaks and protecting humans. 👇 — UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) January 27, 2025 For the first time in February 2021, H5N8 was found to have infected a small number of people in Russia. The virus can be spread by close contact with an infected bird that is dead or alive. This includes: touching infected birds touching droppings or bedding killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking If you are visiting an area or foreign country that has recently had an outbreak of bird flu, you can follow these steps to prevent your chances of getting the virus. The NHS says: wash your hands often with warm water and soap, especially before and after handling food, in particular raw poultry use different utensils for cooked and raw meat make sure meat is cooked until steaming hot avoid contact with live birds and poultry The main symptoms of bird flu can appear very quickly, reports the NHS, and include: a very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery aching muscles headache a cough or shortness of breath Recommended reading: UKHSA confirms person in England has contracted 'rare' case of bird flu These are the vitamins you should take to protect yourself for flu season What is the difference between swine flu and normal flu? When to see a doctor Other early symptoms may also appear within three to five days after you have been infected, such as diarrhoea, sickness, stomach pain, chest pain, bleeding from the nose and gums and conjunctivitis. More severe complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome can develop days after initial symptoms. Use NHS 111 online ( or call NHS 111 if you experience any symptoms of bird flu and have visited an area affected by bird flu in the past 10 days.
