Two poultry workers test positive for avian flu
“Current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people" – Professor Susan Hopkins.
Two poultry workers have tested positive for avian influenza A (H5) while working at an infected poultry farm in England. Neither of the two people experienced any symptoms and both have since tested negative.
It is thought that one of the individuals tested positive owing to contamination of the nose and/or throat from breathing in material on the farm, rather than because of a true infection. Further investigation is under way to determine whether this was also the case for the second individual.
The positive results were picked up by the asymptomatic testing programme run by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) for people who have been in contact with infected birds.
Responding to the test results, UKSHA has stated that the risk to human health remains very low and there is no evidence of the strain spreading between people.
Professor Susan Hopkins, UKSHA’s chief medical advisor, said: “Current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people. However, we know already that the virus can spread to people following close contact with infected birds and this is why, through screening programmes like this one, we are monitoring people who have been exposed to learn more about this risk.
“Globally there is no evidence of spread of this strain from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time 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 that they follow the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) advice about reporting.”
In April, mandatory housing measures for poultry and kept birds were lifted in England and Wales, as the UK Government announced a reduction in avian flu risk levels. However, surveillance measures remain in place and protection zones continue to be established around infected farms, most recently in Powys, Wales and Lincolnshire, England.
Avian flu is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects avian flu in poultry or other captive birds must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 in Wales, or contacting a local Field Services Office in Scotland.
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