Avian influenza reported in Norfolk grey seals
Carcasses have been collected from the North Norfolk coast.
Defra and the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) have revealed that two grey seals on the North Norfolk coast have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5.
These are the first cases of non-avian wildlife contracting avian influenza that have been reported in England, Scotland and Wales since 2023.
In a statement released on 18 February, the UK government revealed that influenza of avian origin had been detected in a ‘small number’ of grey seals on the North Norfolk coast. Avian influenza had also been reported in a number of wild birds in the area.
Findings revealed that carcasses had been collected from Norfolk, with two grey seals confirmed to be positive for HPAI H5N5.
Defra and APHA state that this is not above the usual annual mortality rate for the site. They say that this is testament to the effectiveness of wildlife surveillance systems in place in the UK.
There is no evidence that there is an increased risk of avian influenza to non-avian species.
Current research finds that mammals will contract avian influenza if they have close contact with wild birds or contaminated environments. This includes consuming infected animals or coming into contact with their feathers, faeces and other contaminated objects.
The last time avian influenza was reported by Defra and APHA in non-avian wildlife was in 2023, when the H5N1 strain was identified in dolphins, otters, red foxes and a porpoise.
HPAI H5N1 is continuing to be reported in a number of sites across the UK. Across 18 and 19 February, three cases were identified in Market Weighton in Yorkshire and one case was identified in Teignmouth in Devon.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been implemented at the Teignmouth site and two of the Market Weighton sites. All poultry on the premises was humanely culled.
The other Market Weighton site is surrounded by a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone, with all affected birds humanely culled.
Elsewhere, following successful completion of disease control activities, a 10km surveillance zone at Rye in East Sussex has been revoked and a 3km protection zone near Easingwold in North Yorkshire has been replaced with a 3km surveillance zone.
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With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
