Time to be mindful of avian influenza

There is both good news and bad news relating to the UK’s current avian influenza status.

The good news is that there have been no new cases in poultry or captive birds for some months.

The bad news however is that there are still cases reported in wild birds both of the original H5N1 strain and the newer H5N5 strain, first detected in 2023. There are concerns that the latter strain has mutated and is now highly pathogenic and transmissible.

There have been findings of the H5N5 strain in wild pheasants in Worcestershire with large numbers of dead birds, including five buzzards and some ravens found dead. Technically though, this is not reported as an official case as the birds had been fully released so it does not trigger a disease control zone or an avian influenza prevention zone, as would be the case if it were captive birds or poultry. Nonetheless, while we are still early in the partridge and pheasant season, it is a major concern and shoots should be advised to continue with scrupulous biosecurity.

More widely there are still sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza among sea birds, particularly greater black backed gulls and skuas. Recently, there was also a mass die-off of fulmars in Northern Scotland.

In addition, there is concern that we will see a surge in findings as the winter migrants start to arrive from Eastern Europe and Russia, including duck, geese, swans and waders such as snipe and woodcock. As there are current outbreaks in poultry in a number of European countries, young birds such as pheasants are particularly susceptible as they have limited antibodies.

It’s important to remember that game birds pre-release come under the same rules as poultry, whilst post-release they become classified as wild birds (as has always been the case in law). Any suspected findings in wild birds should be reported to the authorities and if a sick or dead bird is found, do not touch it. If you are walking with your dog, keep it away from any infected birds. In England, Scotland and Wales, the online reporting system can be used, or call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

The H5N1 strain has been identified as jumping species and has been mainly found in scavenging mammals such as foxes and mustelids. Defra are investigating to see if the H5N5 strain has the same cross-species transmissibility. It’s vital that members therefore remain vigilant and to follow guidance after what has been a relatively quiet few months.

Follow the government advice on how to identify avian influenza here, and read more about the current situation here.