Avian influenza (bird flu) in people

Avian influenza viruses are influenza A viruses that circulate in wild waterfowl and can infect poultry and other animals. Some strains, such as H5N1, cause severe disease in birds and have occasionally infected people. The NHS describes bird flu as an infection that mainly affects birds and is very rare in the UK, though found worldwide. It differs from seasonal flu, which is adapted to spread easily between people.

UKHSA has stated that the risk to the wider public is very low and that the viruses do not spread easily to people, with person-to-person transmission being very rare. A small number of human cases have been detected in the UK, linked to prolonged close contact with large numbers of infected birds on farms.

The NHS explains that the virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. People at higher risk are those who work closely with poultry or handle infected birds or their carcasses, such as farm workers, cullers and wildlife rescuers. Eating properly cooked poultry and eggs is not a risk. For travellers, the NHS advises avoiding live animal markets, raw poultry dishes and direct contact with bird waste and feathers in high-risk areas.

Garden birds are rarely affected, and not every dead bird has bird flu. Even so, the safest approach is not to handle any dead or visibly sick wild bird.

The NHS says symptoms usually emerge 4 to 6 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory symptoms and eye irritation. Some people develop conjunctivitis as the main sign. In severe cases pneumonia and breathing failure can occur, which may need intensive care.

Symptoms alone cannot distinguish bird flu from ordinary flu or COVID-19, so the exposure history matters most: recent contact with sick or dead birds, a farm with an outbreak, or travel to a region with active infection.

• Fever or feeling feverish, with cough and sore throat.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Red, sore or watery eyes.

• Muscle aches, headache and tiredness.

UKHSA guidance states that people exposed to infected birds are assessed and monitored by their regional health protection team, which provides advice on testing and any treatment. If you work with birds on a farm with a confirmed outbreak, you will normally be contacted. If you have symptoms and have had relevant bird contact in an affected region, the NHS advises contacting NHS 111.

Doctors diagnose bird flu with throat or nose swabs, and the NHS says patients are isolated while the results are pending. Phone ahead rather than turning up unannounced at a surgery or emergency department so that precautions can be arranged.

The NHS says antiviral medicines can be used to treat bird flu, and treatment works best when started early. Severe illness is managed in hospital with oxygen, ventilatory support and treatment of complications. People who have been exposed but are well may be offered preventive antivirals after a risk assessment.

UKHSA advises not touching or picking up dead or visibly sick birds. Dead wild birds can be reported to Defra through its online service or helpline. Keep pets away from them, wash hands thoroughly if you accidentally touch a bird or feathers, and do not feed wild birds in a way that encourages close contact where an outbreak is active. Poultry keepers should follow Defra housing orders and biosecurity requirements.