![]() ![]() The virus isn’t airborne but is spread through bodily secretions such as blood, saliva, and faeces. The mammals most likely to be affected are those who feed on birds who have died from the virus. In people, those most at risk are those who work with affected birds e.g., poultry farmers. Pheasants do appear to be featuring in reported figures in increasing numbers.Īlthough avian flu is primarily a disease of birds, there have been cases of previous strains infecting mammals including humans. Avian flu can affect other bird species, but this is not particularly common. The wild species primarily affected are ducks, geese, swans, gulls, seabirds, and birds of prey (as they feed on deceased affected birds). breathing difficulties, sneezing, or gurgling.lack of coordination including turning in circles.In a wild bird affected by avian flu you may see some of the following signs It is very likely that intensive farming of birds such as chickens, ducks and geese has provided conditions which have allowed the virus to mutate and be spread widely. The strain circulating currently is termed ‘highly pathogenic’ which means it has a very high mortality rate in birds. Avian flu is not new or related to the COVID pandemic in people. What causes avian flu? Where does it come from? #Īvian Flu is caused by an avian influenza Type A virus, strains of which are believed to have been circulating since the 1800s. The 2021//3 seasons have been especially severe, with many thousands of birds succumbing to the illness and many wildlife rescue centres having to take unprecedented action to protect birds in their care and their future operations. Often in UK winters there are outbreaks of avian flu amongst wild birds. ![]()
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