The United Kingdom is facing a heightened risk of widespread bird flu outbreaks, with experts warning farmers to prepare for a potentially severe situation. Recent developments indicate the current strain of avian influenza (H5N1) is exceptionally infectious, raising concerns across the poultry industry.
Understanding the Current Situation
The government has implemented a nationwide mandatory housing order for all birds in England, requiring farmers to keep their flocks indoors. This measure, effective from Thursday, aims to curb the escalating infection rates. According to data released this season (beginning in October), there have already been 26 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 on farms across the UK — 22 of which occurred in England. In response to an outbreak, entire flocks are routinely culled to prevent further spread, a devastating outcome for producers.
Expert Warnings and Concerns
Professor Ian Brown, formerly director of science at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and a leading expert in avian virology at the Pirbright Institute, has cautioned farmers to brace for the “worst.” He emphasized the virus’s exceptional contagiousness, stating it is “as super-infectious as any high pathogenicity avian influenza we’ve ever seen.” Professor Brown noted the severity of the previous epidemic (2021-2023), which resulted in over 350 outbreaks in the UK, calling it “off the scale.” While predicting the scale of the current outbreak is difficult, early indicators are concerning.
Impact on Farmers
The mandatory housing order has created significant challenges for producers, particularly those operating free-range farms. Sarah Godwin, a farmer in Wiltshire, described the forced confinement of her 32,000 laying hens as a “necessary evil,” acknowledging the devastating consequences of an outbreak. Bringing the hens indoors, even with strict biosecurity measures, leaves farmers anxious. “It only takes a tiny, tiny bit of contaminated muck from a wild bird or something that’s been brought into the shed on somebody’s boots,” Godwin explained, highlighting the ease with which the virus can spread. Just grammes of contamination can infect an entire flock.
Key Takeaways & Proactive Measures
The situation requires a renewed focus on preventative measures, with the British Poultry Council’s chief executive, Richard Griffiths, endorsing the housing order as “the right move at the right time.” The UK’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, is urging all bird keepers to:
- Comply fully with the housing order.
- Maintain robust biosecurity measures. This includes stringent hygiene practices, preventing contact with wild birds, and limiting access to poultry housing.
- Remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of bird flu immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Public Health and Food Safety Considerations
Despite the heightened risk to poultry, authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public’s health is considered very low, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The Food Standards Agency (FSA) assures consumers that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe.
Ongoing Monitoring and Potential for Mutation
Professor Brown underscored the need for continuous virus monitoring due to its potential to mutate. While the current virus primarily infects birds, influenza viruses can undergo changes during replication, potentially leading to new variants. “We have to continually monitor the virus, because it’s an influenza virus and influenza viruses change,” he stated, emphasizing the possibility of a variant that could be more infectious to humans
