Britain Increases Bird Flu Risk Level Amid Outbreak Surge. The UK government has raised the risk level of bird flu following a surge in cases across Europe and parts of the country. The move comes as officials warn that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain, also known as H5N1, poses an increasing threat to both poultry and wild bird populations, as well as the potential for spread to humans.
Recently, Japan detects season’s first bird flu case. Japan detected the first case of highly pathogenic H5-type bird flu this season at a poultry farm in the south of the country, media reported on Saturday.
Britain’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced the decision after reviewing recent data on the virus’s spread. Several outbreaks have been reported across the country in recent weeks, particularly in areas with dense bird populations. The new risk assessment shifts the status from “low” to “medium” for poultry farms and from “low” to “high” for wild bird populations, signaling heightened vigilance for those sectors.
Authorities have urged poultry farmers to tighten biosecurity measures to prevent outbreaks in commercial flocks. This includes limiting outdoor access for birds, cleaning and disinfecting areas regularly, and closely monitoring bird health. DEFRA has also imposed an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). Requiring mandatory steps for all bird owners, whether commercial or domestic, to protect against further spread.
Wildlife experts are particularly concerned about the impact of the disease on wild bird species. Bird flu has already decimated several colonies, with some species facing population declines due to repeated outbreaks in recent years. The virus is transmitted through direct contact between birds. As well as through contaminated environments such as water and food sources.
While bird flu is primarily an animal health issue, there are concerns about the virus’s potential to infect humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk to humans remains low. But cases of human infection have occurred in the past, particularly in those with direct exposure to infected poultry.
The UK government has called for continued monitoring and coordination with international partners to tackle the growing bird flu threat. Poultry farmers, bird owners, and the general public have been advised to report any signs of illness in birds to authorities immediately.
