The UKHealth Security Agency(UKHSA) said two poultry workers in England have tested positive for avian influenza, strain A (H5).
The risk to the population would be very low, according to UKHSA. There are no reports of human-to-human transmission of the virus, which like all, moreover, is capable of evolution. Monitoring continues. (1)
Bird flu in UK, positive for two poultry workers
UKHSA carries out a monitoring program on avian influenza, in England, which includes testing of workers who have come into contact with infected birds, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms.
‘The detection of avian influenza in poultry workers may be as a result of contamination of the nose and throat from breathing in material on the affected farm or it may be an actual infection.’ (1)
Based on exposure times and test results, UKHSA explains, ‘it is likely that one individual was infected by inhalation on the farm,’ while there are doubts about the second worker.‘Meanwhile, a precautionary contact search has been initiated for this second individual.’
First statements
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor of the UKHSA, said the following.
- ‘Current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we are seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people. However, we already know that the virus can spread to people as a result of close contact with infected birds, which is why, through screening programs like this one, we are monitoring people who have been exposed to learn more about this risk.
- Globally, there is no evidence of person-to-person spread of this strain, but we know that viruses are constantly evolving, and we remain vigilant for any evidence of changing risk to the population.
- It remains critical that people avoid touching sick or dead birds and follow the instructions for reporting cases circulated by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)’. (2)
Sovereign uncertainty
UKHSA diplomacy , in an amended press release the same day it was published, can perhaps reassure those who know nothing at all about avian flu. In fact, the agency mentions strain A (H5) only once, without ever referring to the family it belongs to(highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI).
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an unresolved crisis, as we have seen, especially in Northern Europe. (3) But authorities in England and Wales had lifted the compulsory housing order, April 18, 2023. At the same time, it is easy to understand, when UKHSA was conducting tests on infected animals.
The government meanwhile-as we learn on theHealth and Safety Executive (HSE) webpage recalled in the UKHSA statement-is offering poultry contact workers a free flu vaccine. (4) Uncertainty reigns supreme in the country that caused the most serious international crisis in cattle breeding. Buckle up.
Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) Avian flu detected in 2 individuals taking part in testing program. https://bit.ly/3BuuJ0v UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Press release, May 16, 2023
(2) Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(3) Dario Dongo. Highly pathogenic avian influenzaboom, Wageningen trials three vaccines. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 11.10.22
(4) Working with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. https://bit.ly/3MvkyOn HSE (Health and Safety Executive)
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
