Authorities announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 – a particularly virulent strain of bird flu, on a poultry farm in St. Ives, Cornwall, yesterday, November 17.
As a result, all poultry on the infected farm will be culled, and a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place surrounding the commercial premises located near near Rosudgeon.
This marks the first confirmation of HPAI H5N1 in kept birds this season, following recent detections of the disease in wild birds both in both the south-west of England and in continental Europe.
It also follows the recent infection of HPAI H5N1, another bird flu variant, on a Yorkshire poultry farm on November 5, which was the first outbreak in poultry and other captive birds in the UK since February 14, 2024.
The virus is spread via direct contact with other infected birds and their secretions; contact with contaminated feathers and faeces; contact with contaminated objects, surfaces or environments (such as ponds, nest sites or feeding areas).
The virus that causes bird flu can stay infectious in faeces, carcases and feathers for around 50 days, often remaining for longer periods of in wet conditions and standing water.
The UK policy on bird flu vaccination does not permit the vaccination of birds (outside of zoos in England and Northern Ireland) as a means of disease control due to current vaccine inadequacies.
Although vaccines have been found to reduce mortality, some vaccinated birds may still be capable of transmitting the disease if they became infected whilst not displaying clinical signs.
Authorities are also of the belief that vaccination may also induce a false sense of security, resulting in a relaxation of biosecurity and vigilance, which proves crucial to inhibiting the spread of the disease.
The government advice farmers to follow biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of infection, some of which include:
- Keeping the area where birds live clean and tidy, controlling rats and mice and regularly disinfecting any hard surfaces;
- Cleaning footwear before and after visits;
- Placing birds’ feed and water in fully enclosed areas that are protected from wild birds, and removing any spilled feed regularly;
- Putting fencing around outdoor areas where birds are allowed and limiting their access to ponds or areas visited by wild waterfowl;
- Where possible, avoid keeping ducks and geese with other poultry species.
However, for farmers located in designated bird flu control zones, specific rules and procedures must be undertaken by law, and the movement of bird to and from the premises is also prohibited.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds with the risk to the general public’s health deemed very low.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also confirmed that bird flu presents a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, with poultry produce remaining safe to consume.
