Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu")

What is “Bird Flu”?

“Bird Flu” (Avian influenza) is a contagious disease caused by viruses that predominantly infect birds. These viruses are highly species specific but on the rare occasion have crossed the species barrier. The flu can affect all types of birds, especially migratory fowl. The virus lives in the bird’s intestines and is passed through the faeces.

Does the virus spread easily from birds to humans?

No. Although more than 100 human cases have occurred (in Asia and Eastern Europe), this is small in comparison with the huge number of birds affected and the numerous associated opportunities for human exposure, especially in areas where backyard flocks are common. It can be caught through infected bird’s saliva and dried faeces, which can become pulverised by walking on, then inhaled. It is not a food-borne virus, and therefore cannot be caught by eating properly cooked poultry.

How do people become infected?

Direct contact with infected poultry, or areas contaminated with their faeces, is currently considered the main route of human infection. To date, human cases have occurred in rural areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely. Exposure is considered more likely during the slaughter, butchering/de-feathering and preparation of poultry prior to cooking.

How can it be treated?

No vaccine has yet been developed to counter the virus, however, scientists are working on various possibilities. Anti-viral drugs are the best course of limiting symptoms.

Am I at risk?

If you are walking in, or near, any area where there are birds, ie, Daisy Nook, etc. make sure that you take extra care with your hygiene routine. Wild birds can carry several other diseases that are infectious to people. The methods used to protect against these other diseases are sufficient to protect you against Bird Flu in its present form. Avoid contact with bird faeces and do not eat or touch your face after coming into contact with birds. Wash your hands in soap and water first. However, do not let this stop your enjoyment of accessing the local parks and countryside.

What should I do if I find a dead bird?

If you see a dead swan or goose or three or more dead wild, or garden birds in the same area, these should be reported to the DEFRA help line 08459 33 55 77. If you find a single dead wild bird other than those named above you should, using gloves that can be washed or disposed of afterwards, place it in a plastic bag and dispose of it with your rubbish. Taking care to wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Clean any soiling on clothing/shoes with soap and water.

How do I dispose of a dead bird?

Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands.
If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling.
Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag.
Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic bag.
Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of in the normal household refuse bin.
Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be used as a make-shift glove. When the dead bird has been picked up, the bag can be turned back on itself and tied. It should then be placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed of in the normal household waste.
Alternatively, the dead bird can be buried, but not in a plastic bag.
Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally used for washing the clothing.
Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with normal household cleaner.
Wash your hands with soap and water as quickly as possible. Avoid touching your face and do not eat until your hands have been washed.

What precautions do I need to take at work?

The advice is the same as above. It is very important to maintain a high quality personal hygiene routine.