22 August 2023 See all updates. WEB So far 78 UK bird species have tested positive for avian flu including most of our breeding seabirds. WEB Sun 26 Feb 2023 0434 EST British health officials are preparing plans to deploy lateral flow tests if signs emerge that..
22 August 2023 See all updates. WEB So far 78 UK bird species have tested positive for avian flu including most of our breeding seabirds. WEB Sun 26 Feb 2023 0434 EST British health officials are preparing plans to deploy lateral flow tests if signs emerge that..
**Bird Flu Concerns for Humans Emerge in the United States** **Rare Cases of Human Infection Confirmed** In an unusual development, human cases of bird flu have been reported in the United States. The first such case occurred in 2022 in Colorado, involving an incarcerated individual. Health officials emphasize that human infections with bird flu remain rare. **Social Media Misinformation** The spread of misinformation on social media has contributed to concerns about bird flu among the general population. A recent meme originating on iFunny has circulated widely, suggesting that bird flu is a significant threat to humans. Health experts caution that this meme is inaccurate and based on unsubstantiated claims. **Risks from Milk** Unpasteurized and raw milk pose a risk for bird flu transmission to humans. However, the vast majority of the milk supply in the United States is pasteurized, making it safe for consumption. **Animal Infections** Bird flu has been spreading among poultry and other animals in the United States since 2020. The current outbreak has primarily affected dairy cows, with some cases also reported in wild birds. **Understanding Bird Flu** Bird flu is a strain of influenza that primarily infects wild water birds. In some cases, the virus can spread to domestic poultry and other animals. Symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Health officials advise individuals to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to promptly report suspected cases of bird flu in animals.
**H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak: A Historical Overview** From 2003 to 2005, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus spread from wild birds to poultry in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. **Ukraine Outbreak** On December 5, 2005, Ukraine experienced a significant outbreak of bird flu, resulting in the death of approximately 2000 domestic birds. **Human Cases** As of April 3, 2024, only 45 human cases of H5N1 avian flu, including 32 deaths, had been reported worldwide. **Genetic Makeup** Researchers have analyzed the genetic makeup of avian influenza viruses to understand their evolution and spread. **Historical Context** This blog post provides a historical perspective on avian influenza viruses, shedding light on their emergence and impact on both poultry and humans.
**Avian Flu Confirmed in Antarctic Penguins and Other Wildlife** **South Georgia, December 23, 2023** The first known cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Antarctic region were detected among brown skua on Bird Island off South Georgia in October 2023. Two months later, hundreds of elephant seals on the island tested positive for avian flu. According to experts, the arrival of the virus is believed to be the result of natural pathways. Bird flu has now been confirmed in 10 penguins on South Georgia, a renowned wildlife sanctuary. Avian influenza has also infected other seabirds and mammals, including the elephant seals. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operates two research stations in South Georgia, including the one at Bird Island where the bird flu cases were confirmed. The BAS is closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to prevent further spread of the disease. HPAI continues to affect the wildlife on the sub-antarctic islands of South Georgia. The latest results from samples taken from the islands indicate that the virus is still circulating among the bird and mammal populations.
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