New Coronavirus News from 8 Nov 2021

North Korean hospital mum on cause of death for 10 'suspected' COVID-19 patients [Radio Free Asia, 8 Nov 2021]

by Jieun, Kim Claire Lee and Eugene Whong

Citizens say that the government is lying to them about how many people have died from the coronavirus.

A hospital in North Korea sent 10 people with COVID-19 symptoms to an unheated ward in freezing temperatures, and then falsified the causes of their deaths to maintain Pyongyang’s claim that the country is completely virus free, sources in the country told RFA.

The 10 patients were admitted to a section of the hospital that is normally used to treat tuberculosis, a resident of Chongjin in the northeastern province of North Hamgyong, where the hospital is located, told RFA’s Korean Service.

“The hospital said they died from malnutrition, but these were people who complained of fever and were diagnosed with pneumonia caused by the flu,” said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

“They were left in a part of the ward with no heating, despite the cold weather. They all died soon after,” the source said.

Since the start of the pandemic in January 2020, North Korea has taken extensive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID. The government locked down entire cities and counties, banned travel between provinces, and shutdown the Sino-Korean border, which included a suspension of trade with China. The trade ban was partially lifted earlier this month, only to be reinstated again after a new outbreak in the Chinese border city of Dandong.

Pyongyang declared these “preventative measures” successful in April 2020, when Pak Myong Su, the director of the anti-epidemic department of North Korea’s Central Emergency Anti-Epidemic Headquarters, gave a rare interview with foreign media to proclaim that “not a single person was infected” with the virus in the country.

Observers immediately doubted the claim, citing North Koreas’ crumbling medical infrastructure, the relative ease by which people could cross the Sino-Korean border, and the willingness of the regime to hide the truth.

Additionally, RFA reported in April 2020 that the government warned the public that COVID was spreading in three areas of the country, including the capital Pyongyang.

The following March, RFA reported that the North Korean government has been keeping track of “suspected cases” of coronavirus infections but never confirms anyone showing symptoms as having COVID. Sources said that when a person suspected of having the disease dies, the body is hastily cremated to prevent a posthumous confirmation.

Similar tactics were at play for the 10 “tuberculosis patients” in Chongjin, the resident told RFA.

“The hospital informed the patients’ families only and they immediately buried the bodies at a nearby hill without explaining the exact cause of death. The families are angry, saying they should at least be told what the symptoms were and get a clear answer on why they died.”
The government has continued to keep people in the dark about the truth of the coronavirus situation in the country, a resident of Mundok county, South Pyongan province, north of the capital Pyongyang, told RFA.

“No one has died from the coronavirus in North Korea because the public will never know about it. Hospitals announce those deaths are due to tuberculosis [TB] or flu,” said the second source, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

Authorities are leaving domestic coronavirus cases out of the news cycle and falsely claiming coronavirus deaths as TB cases, said the second source.

“If you look closely, tuberculosis doesn’t destroy the lungs like the coronavirus does. But most people don’t know that so when someone dies from coronavirus and they say it’s tuberculosis, who is going to know?” said the source.

“No one knows … other than the doctor who was in charge and the central government officials,” the source said, adding that in his neighborhood there were three recent deaths chalked up to TB.

With the weather turning colder, flu cases are on the rise and death tolls are up as well, the source said.

“But most of them are filed as deaths from malnutrition or flu, not the coronavirus,” the source said.

An internal survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in March 2021 revealed some 13,000 “suspected cases” in North Hamgyong, the most in the entire country, a source told RFA in a previous report.

According to the survey’s results, officially reported only to the ruling Korean Workers’ Party’s Central Committee, most of the suspected cases were in the cities, including the provincial capital Chongjin, North Korea’s third largest city and home to more than 600,000 people.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said that as of Sept. 21, only about 43,000 of North Korea’s population of 25 million were tested for COVID-19, and there was not a single confirmed case.

Of those tested between Sept. 15 and 21, 109 had a flu-like illness or severe acute respiratory infection, and 582 were health care workers.

Admin Orders Corona Curfew In 5 Wards Of Srinagar [Brighter Kashmir, 8 Nov 2021]

District administration on Monday ordered imposition of “corona curfew” in five wards of Srinagar.

As per an order by deputy commissioner Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz which comes into effect immediately, the administrative wards include 11 (Lal Bazar), 32 (Hyderpora), 31 (Chanapora), 27 (Bemina Hamdania Colony) and 24 (Bemina Housing Colony).

The areas in Lal Bazar include Bota Kadal, Umer Colony, Bhagwan Pora, Moulvi Stop and Mill Stop.

Similarly in Hyderpora it include Shah Anwar Colony, Green Avenue Colony and Noorani Colony (Peer Bagh) while Chanapora areas include Hamdania Colony, Tawheed Aabad Colony, Mathan and in Bemina include Hamdania Colony, Bilal Colony and SDA Colony.

“There has been a steep rise in Covid positive cases in District Srinagar in the last 17 days which needs interventional and effective measures,” the deputy commissioner said.

He said the identified hotspots have been declared Micro Containment Zones vide various orders in order to check the spread of the disease.

“Certain measures, u/s 144 CrPC were in place for containment of spread of Coronavirus, largely aimed at prohibition on public gathering and movement of public transport,” he said, adding, “it has observed that around 63% of the daily positive cases during these days have been detected from few particular areas.”

The above measures have not led to significant decline in the number of cases and more stringent measures are needed to ensure that the infection does not spread exponentially, he said.

“The strict containment measures are also required in order to ensure safety of the General Public and to prevent transmission of Covid-19 to other parts of District Srinagar,” he said, adding “the situation has been reviewed and after obtaining feedback from the stakeholder agencies it has been felt expedient to put in place reasonable restrictions to minimize the chances of public gatherings and eliminate the epidemic spread chain in every form.”

Subsequently he ordered the corona curfew for ten days. “The order shall be in force w.e.f 12:00AM of 09-November-2021.”

As per the permissible activities all essential services including all incidental services and activities needed for smooth functioning of these activities shall be allowed to continue, both in the public and private sector. “Standalone grocery/ vegetable/ meat/ milk shops may also remain open and functional to ensure provisioning of essential supplies from 7:00Am to 11:00AM only.”

There will be no hindrance to the smooth movement of goods and essential supplies, the order, a copy of which lies with GNS, reads further.

There shall be no restriction on the movement of Government Officials for attending office/ duties, on production of I-Cards/ Official Orders.

“All development/ construction works shall be allowed to continue without any hindrance,” the order reads, adding, “The vaccination drive shall not be halted. Localized mobile teams shall be constituted to provide vaccination in colonies, residential areas and containment zones.”

As per order there shall be a 24 hour complete 'Corona' curfew with no movement of people except for permissible activities only.

“All Educational institutions shall remain closed,” the order reads, adding, “All Shopping Complexes, Bazaars, Saloons, Barber Shops, Cinema Halls, Restaurants, Sport Complexes, Gyms, Spas, Swimming Pools, Parks, Zoos, etc, if any shall remain closed.”

No social gatherings or functions whether indoors or outdoors shall be allowed. “The permitted
ceiling for marriage shall be restricted to 20 persons only. The gathering at funerals shall be limited to 10 persons only.”

There will be no ingress and egress of the public permitted in these areas except in case of Medical exigencies, the order added.

Zoonotic Bird Flu News since 29 Oct till 16 Nov 2021

Authorities confirm new bird flu case in Lancashire [FarmingUK, 16 Nov 2021]

Authorities have confirmed a new case of avian influenza in Lancashire following a string of outbreaks across the UK in recent days.

Avian influenza of the H5N1 subtype has been discovered in birds at a premises near Kirkham, Fylde on Tuesday afternoon (16 November).

The outbreak comes after Lancashire confirmed a case of bird flu on Friday 12 November, near Salwick, Fylde.

Further testing is underway to confirm the pathogenicity of the strain discovered today, Defra explained.

The outbreak belongs to the H5N1 subtype of the disease, a highly contagious variant which can decimate poultry flocks.

Defra said 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones have been put in place surrounding the premises in Kirkham.

It follows numerous outbreaks of highly-pathogenic bird flu in recent days, including in North Wales, North Yorkshire, Essex and Warwickshire.

Because of the frequency of outbreaks, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of Britain earlier this month.

Northern Ireland then followed, with authorities announcing an AIPZ on Monday (15 November).

The AIPZ means that it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures as a way to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading.

In a joint statement the Chief Veterinary Officers for Wales, England and Scotland said: "All bird keepers must take action now to prevent the disease spreading to poultry and other domestic birds.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to introduce higher biosecurity standards on your farm or small holding.

"It is in your interests to do so in order to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease," the CVOs explained.

“The UK health agencies have confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and UK food standards agencies advise that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.”

Bird flu kills 300 migratory demoiselle cranes in Rajasthan in last 10 days [Hindustan Times, 16 Nov 2021]

By Sachin Saini

Initially, experts felt the deaths were caused by Ranikhet disease. But a Bhopal-based lab report later confirmed that the migratory birds were dying in Rajasthan due to bird flu, officials said

As many as 300 migratory demoiselle cranes, popularly known as Kurjan, have died in Rajasthan over the last 10 days because of bird flu, forest officials said on Monday, adding that the death rate was falling every day.

Bird flu or avian flu is an influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans.

Initially, experts felt the deaths were caused by Ranikhet disease, known in the West as Newcastle disease. But a Bhopal-based lab report later confirmed that the migratory birds were dying in Rajasthan due to bird flu, officials said.

Veterinary doctors and those involved in rescue operations have so far tested negative for bird flu.

Authorities in the state have faced criticism over the handling of the situation, especially with the disposing of the bodies.

A senior government official who wished not to be named said, “We should have waited for the lab report before acting, but the pressure was so intense to take action.”

The first death of a demoiselle crane was reported on November 5 in Kaparda village in Jodhpur, from where around 180 bodies have been recovered so far.

Officials said the number of daily deaths among the migratory birds in the area have come down to four to five fatalities per day from 30-40 in the initial days of the outbreak.

The outbreak hasn’t yet been recorded in the Sardar Samand Lake area in Pali district, around 36km from Kaparda.

A total of 134 migratory demoiselle cranes died in the last three days, including 22 on Sunday, according to Vinod Kumar Kalra, joint director of the state’s animal husbandry department. Viscera samples of the dead birds have been sent to a lab, he said.

Dr Gyan Prakash, a veterinary expert at Kaparda, said a report from a lab in Bhopal has confirmed that the birds died from avian flu, after which certain protocols were put in place, such as disinfecting the area and carefully disposing of the bodies.

Prakash also said no such case has so far been reported in Khichan village, which currently has over 14,000 migratory birds. Khichan is around 180km from Jodhpur city.

Prakash said that local birds were aware of Kaparda’s saline water, hence only the migratory demoiselle cranes were dying from bird flu.

He said the presence of black wind stilt in the area, a bird that is seen as a pollution marker as it feeds on algae and weeds that grow in polluted water, indicated that the water in Kaparda was polluted.

Prakash speculates it’s possible that the bird flu came from Japan, where an outbreak was reported in October, with migratory birds likely carrying the disease to Rajasthan.

On protocols that are followed in the event of a bird flu outbreak, retired professor and microbiologist Dr AK Kataria said the process starts the moment symptoms are spotted prima facie.

“Everyone, especially those involved in the process, need to be cautious when the disease is undiagnosed as it can be fatal and communicable. If it is bird flu, it can be fatal,” Dr Kataria said.

In November 2019, carcasses of close to 18,000 migratory birds were found at Rajasthan’s Sambhar Lake, the largest inland salt lake in India. The deaths were caused by avian botulism, a neuromuscular illness of birds.

Japan confirms H5N8 strain in third bird flu outbreak in the country [Reuters, 16 Nov 2021]

by Aaron Sheldrick & Ana Nicolaci da Costa

TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Japan has confirmed the highly pathogenic bird flu subtype H5N8 was detected at a poultry farm in the third outbreak of avian influenza in the country this winter, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday.

The outbreak was discovered on Monday at a farm with about 11,000 egg-laying chickens in Izumi City in Kagoshima prefecture in southwestern Japan, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

It comes as several outbreaks of severe bird flu in Europe and Asia have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health in recent days, in a sign the virus is spreading quickly again.

"The NA subtype of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was identified and it was confirmed to be H5N8 subtype," the ministry said.

The increase in the number of people around the world getting infected from bird flu this year is becoming a source of concern for epidemiological experts, especially as the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza in 2021 to the World Health Organization, compared with only five last year, it said, with six dead and many of the others critically ill.

In February, Russia registered the first case of the H5N8 strain being passed to humans from birds and reported the matter to the WHO. There was no sign at the time of transmission between humans.

Japan temporarily suspended exports of chicken meat and eggs from all regions earlier this month after reporting the first outbreak, though the ministry has said the consumption of those items, if infected, pose no risk to humans.

Last winter, Japan had its worst season of winter flu on farms yet, with almost 10 million chickens culled and more than a third of the country's prefectures affected. read more
Japan has an egg-laying flock of around 181 million hens and a broiler population of 140 million, according to the ministry of agriculture.

Anti-viral treatments can be effective against the bird flu but there is no vaccine for humans, according to the website of Britain's National Health Service.

Bird flu spreads in Europe and Asia, putting poultry industry on alert [CNN, 16 Nov 2021]

ParisSeveral outbreaks of severe bird flu in Europe and Asia have been reported in recent days to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in a sign the virus is spreading quickly again.

The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has put the poultry industry on alert after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds.
Outbreaks also often lead to trade restrictions.

It is attracting the attention too of epidemiologists as the virus can be transmitted to humans. China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza so far this year, more than in the whole of 2020.

South Korea reported an outbreak at a farm of around 770,000 poultry in Chungcheongbuk-do, the OIE said on Monday, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All animals were slaughtered.

Also in Asia, Japan reported its first outbreak of the 2021 winter season, at a poultry farm in the northeast of the country, the OIE said, confirming a statement last week by Japan's agriculture ministry. The serotype in this outbreak was H5N8.

In Europe, Norway reported an H5N1 bird flu outbreak in the Rogaland region in a flock of 7,000 birds, the OIE said.

Outbreaks generally occur in the autumn, spread by migrating wild birds.

The Belgian government put the country on increased risk for bird flu, ordering poultry to be kept indoors as of Monday, after a highly pathogenic variant of bird flu was identified in a wild goose near Antwerp.

This followed a similar move in neighboring France earlier this month and in the Netherlands in October.

Bird flu cannot be transmitted through the eating of poultry products.

Bird Flu Spreading: Here Are The Avian Influenza Outbreaks In Europe And Asia [Forbes, 16 Nov 2021]

By Bruce Y. Lee

Here’s some fowl news. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have recently been occurring in various parts of Europe and Asia. Highly pathogenic avian influenza ain’t just your run-of-the-mill bird flu. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “pathogenic” as “causing or capable of causing disease.” Therefore, being called “highly pathogenic” by your friends would not be a compliment. Similarly, highly pathogenic avian influenza is essentially bird flu that is either highly capable of causing disease or can cause severe disease. Or both. That’s why these outbreaks have been a bit of an “oh cluck” problem for poultry and poultry farmers.

According to the German media site DW, in recent months, there have been over 100 outbreaks of bird flu in Europe. Add to this number the outbreaks that have occurred in Asia and you’ve got even more than more than 100. So far, different highly pathogenic strains avian influenza have already made appearances in countries such as Norway, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, and China. For example, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute found the H5N1 strain among 7,500 or so laying hens in Rogaland, Norway. The H5N8 strain was detected in a farm with around 143,000 poultry in Yokote city in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The appearance of such strains on farms have led to rather large culls of poultry in attempts to prevent the virus from spreading further.

There have also been poultry lockdowns. Governments in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands have ordered that poultry be kept indoors.

Now if you don’t have wings and feathers, the risk of getting infected with these strains of bird flu is probably very low. For most of these outbreaks, there haven’t been any reports of human infections. One exception is what’s happened in China, which has experienced more than just a poultry number of infections. They’ve also reported 21 humans being infected with the H5N6 avian influenza in 2021 so far. This is significantly higher than last year, which had only five reported cases among humans.

Any increase in humans getting the bird flu does merit close monitoring to make sure that no human-to-human transmission is occurring. As long as transmission is just between a given human and his bird, or her bird, the virus isn’t likely to be a broader threat to the human population. So no need to panic or hoard any more toilet paper.

However, just because you don’t have a beak and do typically wear either pants or a dress doesn’t mean that you should completely ignore these outbreaks. Influenza viruses are like high school love. They may seem one way today but over time can change substantially due to ongoing mutations. While a given avian influenza virus may be just a chick flick right now, there is always the possibility that sometime in the future it evolves the ability to infect and cause more severe disease in humans. Epidemics and even pandemics can arise should there be sustained human-to-human transmission, as I covered for Forbes in June.

This is yet another reminder that we are not alone. We share this Earth with many other animals. It is important to protect other animals from dangerous viruses as well. Our society needs to be more cognizant of what’s happening with other animals and how human activities may be making other animals more vulnerable to infections. The poultry population could be a significant reservoir for future threats to the human population. After all, the answer to the question, “why did the chicken virus cross the road” may be because humans didn’t pay enough attention.

Avian influenza threat: Forest officials raise a caution as migratory birds descend on Harike wetland [Hindustan Times, 15 Nov 2021]

By Anil Sharma, Tarn Taran

According to a rough estimate of the officials, around 10,000 birds, including rare species, have already arrived at the wetland, Hari-Ke-Pattan wetland; forest officials are cautious in the wake of avian influenza cases in Rajasthan

With the start of the arrival of winged guests from the different parts of Europe and North Asia to the India’s second largest wetland Harike, the state department of forests and wildlife preservation has started taking precautionary measures in view of the death of more than 170 birds in Rajasthan due to avian influenza.

According to a rough estimate of the officials, around 10,000 birds, including rare species, have arrived at the wetland, also known as Hari-Ke-Pattan. Though no case of bird flu has been reported at the Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary, the monitoring of birds has been intensified.

The wetland and the lake were formed by constructing the headworks across the Sutlej river in 1953. Since then, the wetland spreading over 100 square miles has become a home to rare varieties of avifauna that arrive here from different countries.

“So far, no case of bird flu has been reported at Harike, but our precautions are in place. Our teams are regularly monitoring all activities there. The birds have just started arriving and their arrival will increase in the coming days,” said Ferozepur divisional forest officer, wildlife, Nalin Yadav.

The birds species that have reached Harike include bar-headed goose, greylag goose, ruddy shelduck, gulls, pintail duck, tufted duck, northern shoveller, wigeon, red-crested pochard, common teal, white-eyed pochard, knob-billed duck, black-headed ibis, marsh harrier etc.
“More birds of these species will arrive in the coming months,” said Gitanjali Kanwar, coordinator, aquatic biodiversity, WWF India.

She said, “We have also spotted rare species of water birds in Harike, like black-tailed godwit, golden plover, ferruginous pochard, greater flamingo, greater spotted eagle, etc.”

“Due to extra precautionary measures keeping in view of the reports of bird flu in some parts of the country, including Rajasthan, there is no case of death of any bird at Harike. The department’s teams are working round the clock to ensure the safety of birds,” she added.

When asked about the effect of smog on the migratory birds, she said, “During our recent years’ study, we have found that there is no major impact of smog on the avian guests visiting Harike. The water body at Harike is quite large and these birds can easily locate it while flying.”

Gitanjali expects more than 1 lakh migratory birds at the wetland by January. The officials have also increased their security against the poaching activities.

Every year, thousands of winged guests from low-temperature regions arrive at the world-famous bird sanctuary in the first week of November as lakes of those regions freeze in winter. They are expected to stay here till March. Last year, a total of 90 species were recorded, including three unidentified.

Last year, nearly 75,000 migratory birds had arrived at the wetland, which was the lowest in over six years. The officials had cited ‘some undescribed issues in the low temperature regions’ for the low number. In 2019, the count of migratory birds that arrived at the wetland was around 1,23,000; and the number was 95,000 in 2018; 93,000 in 2017; and 1,05,000 in 2016.

Norway reports bird flu on farm, OIE says [SaltWire Network, 15 Nov 2021]

by Gus Trompiz & Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS (Reuters) - Norway reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on a farm, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Monday.

The outbreak in the Rogaland region killed 221 poultry birds, with the rest of the flock of 7,000 birds slaughtered, the OIE said, citing a report from the Norwegian authorities.

Japan Confirms This Season's 3rd Bird Flu Outbreak [Nippon.com, 15 Nov 2021]

Kagoshima, Nov. 15 (Jiji Press)--The prefectural government of Kagoshima, southwestern Japan, said Monday that it has confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza believed to be highly pathogenic at a chicken farm in the city of Izumi.

It was the third confirmed bird flu case at a poultry farm in Japan this season and the second in the prefecture.

The prefectural government will cull some 11,000 chickens at the farm. After infections were found at the farm in a simple test, the bird flu virus was confirmed likely to be highly pathogenic through a genetic test.

On Saturday, bird flu infections were confirmed at another Izumi chicken farm, which is some 2.5 kilometers from the facility where the third outbreak was found. This season's first confirmed case occurred at a chicken farm in the city of Yokote, Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, earlier this month.

Kagoshima is one of Japan's largest production areas for chickens for eggs and broilers. The local economy could suffer a significant blow from a possible further spread of bird flu infections.

Jodhpur confirms 2 cases of bird flu after over 180 Kurja birds found dead [India TV News, 14 Nov 2021]

The District Collector held an emergency meeting with the forest officers and directed them to take necessary steps to deal with it

Jodhpur district of Rajasthan has confirmed two cases of bird flu. The development comes after more than 180 Kurja birds (cranes) were found dead in the district over the past week. As per Ramesh Kumar Malpani, Divisional Forest Officer, Jodhpur, two cases of bird flu have been confirmed from the samples collected from the dead birds.

"We have received the information on November 6 that around 56 birds have died in Kaparda, Bilara town of Rajasthan's Jodhpur district. We reached the spot and collected the samples of two dead birds," said the officer.

Malpani further informed that the samples collected in Jodhpur were sent to Bhopal for testing, and it was found that the dead birds were infected with "Avian influenza" (Bird flu).

"The District Collector held an emergency meeting with the forest officers and directed them to take necessary steps to deal with it," he said.

"After getting the information about bird flu, we are taking the action as per guidelines issued by the Government of India. As of now, 189 Kurja birds have died in Kaparda," Malpani added.

Bird Flu outbreak in Lancashire: The symptoms and how it spreads to humans [Lancashire Post, 13 Nov 2021]

By Matthew Calderbank

Bird Flu (Avian influenza H5N1) has been confirmed at a poultry farm near the Fylde village of Salwick on the outskirts of Preston - this is everything you need to know about the risk to people.

This is what the NHS says about Bird Flu, including advice on how it spreads to humans, how you can protect yourself, the symptoms and treatment available.

There are lots of different strains of bird flu virus and most of them do not infect humans. But there are four strains that have caused concern in recent years.

One of these strains - H5N1, which was first detected in 1997 - has been confirmed at the poultry farm in Salwick.

The other 3 strains are H7N9 (since 2013), H5N6 (since 2014) and H5N8 (since 2016).

Although H5N1, H7N9 and H5N6 do not infect people easily and aren't usually spread from human to human, several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths.

In February 2021, H5N8 was found to have infected a small number of people for the first time, in Russia.

Bird Flu in the UK
No humans have been infected with H5N1, H7N9, H5N6 or H5N8 Bird Flu in the UK – this includes the type of H5N6 virus recently found in humans in China.

But Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) say plans are in place to manage any suspected outbreaks in Britain.

H5N8 and H5N1 bird flu have been found in some poultry, other captive birds and wild birds in the UK, including Lancashire.

H5N6 has also been found in some wild birds in the UK but is a different strain to that seen in China.

How Bird Flu spreads to humans
Bird flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird (dead or alive).

This includes:
- touching infected birds
- touching droppings or bedding
- killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking

Markets where live birds are sold can also be a source of bird flu.

But it is important to remember that you cannot catch bird flu through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.

There is no Bird Flu vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the virus, but there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of catching the virus.

Things you can do to prevent Bird Flu
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap, especially before and after handling food, in particular raw poultry

- use different utensils for cooked and raw meat
- make sure meat is cooked until steaming hot
- avoid contact with live birds and poultry

What you shouldn't do
- do not go near or touch bird droppings or sick or dead birds
- do not go to live animal markets or poultry farms
- do not eat undercooked or raw poultry or duck
- do not eat raw eggs

Symptoms of Bird Flu
The main symptoms of bird flu can appear very quickly and include:
- a very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery
- aching muscles
- headache
- a cough or shortness of breath

Other early symptoms may include:
- diarrhoea
- sickness
- stomach pain
- chest pain
- bleeding from the nose and gums
- conjunctivitis

It usually takes 3 to 5 days for the first symptoms to appear after you've been infected.

Within days of symptoms appearing, it's possible to develop more severe complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Getting treatment quickly and using antiviral medicine might prevent complications and reduce the risk of developing severe illness.

When to seek medical advice
Call a GP or NHS 111 if you experience any symptoms of Bird Flu and have visited an area affected by Bird Flu in the past 10 days.

Your symptoms can be checked over the phone.

What a doctor can do
Tell the doctor if you have:
- recently travelled to an area affected by bird flu and if you've been close (within 1 metre) to live or dead birds
- had close contact (touching or speaking distance) with anyone who has a severe respiratory illness
- had contact with anyone who died unexpectedly and was from an area that had an outbreak

These tests can be done to confirm bird flu:
- a nose and throat swab to see if they contain the virus
- if you're coughing up phlegm this may be tested for the virus
- If the tests are normal, it's unlikely you have Bird Flu.

Treatment for bird flu
If you think you might have symptoms of Bird Flu you'll be advised to stay at home, or you'll be cared for in hospital in isolation from other patients.

You may be given an antiviral medicine such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).

Antiviral medicines help reduce the severity of the condition, prevent complications and improve the chances of survival.

They are also sometimes given to people who have been in close contact with infected birds, or those who have had contact with infected people, for example family or healthcare staff.

Reporting suspected cases of Bird Flu
Bird flu is a notifiable disease in animals, so you should report any suspected case in animals to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), even if you're not sure.

Call the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) helpline on 03459 33 55 77 if you find dead wild birds.

To prevent infection it is important not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

Japan Confirms This Season's 2nd Bird Flu Outbreak [Nippon.com, 13 Nov 2021]

Kagoshima, Nov. 13 (Jiji Press)--The prefectural government of Kagoshima, southwestern Japan, said Saturday that an outbreak of avian influenza believed to be highly pathogenic has been confirmed at a chicken farm in the city of Izumi.

It is the second time that a bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in Japan this season.

All of some 38,500 chickens at the farm will be culled to prevent the spread of the bird flu virus.

A livestock hygiene service center of the prefectural government received a report on Friday that a group of chickens was found dead at the farm.

After bird flu infections were confirmed in a simplified test, the virus was found likely to be highly pathogenic through a genetic test.

Bird flu outbreak discovered at animal sanctuary near Frinton-on-Sea [BBC News, 12 Nov 2021]

An outbreak of bird flu has been discovered at an animal sanctuary in Essex, government officials confirmed.

The H5N1 virus - which is highly contagious and can decimate poultry flocks - was found at a property near Frinton-on-Sea.

Temporary control zones covering 3km (1.8 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) are in place around the affected site.

Avian flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird, whether it is dead or alive.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said: "All birds on the premises will be humanely culled to limit risk of onward transmission."

No further details of the animal sanctuary have been released.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across Great Britain since 3 November, after the discovery of a strain of avian flu in a small poultry unit in Warwickshire.

The AIPZ means bird keepers need to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks.

Bird flu has also been confirmed at a wild bird rescue centre in Worcestershire.

White-tailed sea eagle found dead as a result of avian flu [The Irish Times, 11 Nov 2021]

By Ronan McGreevy

Wild birds in Donegal and Offaly have also been confirmed positive for H5N1 strain
A rare white-tailed sea eagle has been found dead as a result of avian influenza.

The bird was found near Tarbert, Co Kerry, and a veterinary laboratory in Limerick confirmed that it was avian influenza (H5N1).

This is the same highly pathogenic strain which has already been detected last week in a peregrine falcon in Co Galway.

Wild birds in Donegal and Offaly have also been confirmed positive for H5N1 , including mute swans, whooper swans and wild geese.

The white-tailed sea eagles are Ireland’s largest bird of prey. They were driven to extinction in the late 19th century and reintroduced into the wild in 2007.

The population remains small with just 10 confirmed pairs as of last year so the loss of even one bird is regarded as significant. Twenty-one chicks were released into the wild in August to bolster their numbers.

The death has been described by Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan as “concerning”.

“There is the immediate issue of the direct impacts on birds generally. And also, of course, there may be issues arising that impact on birds of conservation concern, including those being reintroduced to the wild under projects such as the flagship white-tailed sea eagle reintroduction project,” he said.

Risk to humans
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said it was important that owners of domestic flocks should remain vigilant. “We should do everything that we can to ensure that potentially infected wild birds do not have contact with domestic flocks,” he said.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide and therefore consider the risk to humans to be very low.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs are safe to eat.

Avian flu confirmed in Akita Pref., northeastern Japan [Kyodo News Plus, 10 Nov 2021]

Bird flu has been detected at a chicken farm in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita and local authorities have begun a cull of some 143,000 birds, the prefectural government said Wednesday.

The outbreak of avian flu, the first in Japan this season, was confirmed through genetic testing at a chicken farm in Yokote after a positive result was returned in a preliminary test the previous day.

The prefectural government also barred shipments of chickens or eggs from farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm. The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched personnel to help deal with the issue at the request of the prefecture.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called for the gathering of information and instructed the farm ministry and other government agencies to work closely to take prompt and thorough preventive steps.

According to the prefectural government, a veterinarian reported to local health authorities on Tuesday morning that the number of chickens dying at the farm in Yokote had been increasing.

When a preliminary test was undertaken on 13 of the chickens, 12 tested positive for avian flu.

Germany Reports Another Case of Bird Flu [Reuters, 10 Nov 2021]

by Michael Hogan & David Goodman

HAMBURG (Reuters) - An outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found on another farm in north Germany, authorities said on Wednesday.

The disease was confirmed on a farm with about 39,000 ducks in Cloppenburg in the state of Lower Saxony, the state ministry of agriculture said. The birds will be slaughtered.

Bird flu, most often carried from one country to the other by migrating wild birds, has been spreading rapidly in Europe, raising concern in the poultry industry after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds and international trade restrictions.

Germany has reported several outbreaks.

Poland has reported outbreaks at poultry farms with flocks totalling nearly 650,000 birds, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said.

Political Cartoons on World Leaders
The French government put the entire country on high alert for bird flu, extending a requirement to keep all poultry flocks indoors.

'Twindemic' or Co-infections: Anticipating the current flu season [Columbia Missourian, 10 Nov 2021]

BY SRIJITA DATTA

Luis Carlos Flores and Jonathan Moore are pursuing their PhDs in mathematics at MU, and they have to teach students regularly in-person.

Their responsibilities put them on the front line of potential exposure this fall to two highly contagious respiratory infections — COVID-19 and the flu.

Flores mentioned that he teaches three classes with around 35 students on any given day, which to him is a sizable number of people on a weekly basis. It is the same for Moore, with around 29 students each day.

“As much as I would like to trust my students, I am concerned that some of them will show up to class with COVID thinking they just have the flu,” said Flores.

COVID-19 and the flu are contagious enough to spread by human contact. Both being respiratory viral infections as well, a lot of their symptoms overlap.

This means that a regular body-ache, cough and headache can be either the flu, COVID-19 or both. Some other symptoms common to both can also include a runny nose, chills, fatigue and fever.

Flores added that some people being vaccinated against COVID worries him too.

”The vaccine helps defend people against severe COVID. But in the case of a breakthrough infection, the symptoms will be mild. I am concerned people will misidentify them as the flu,” he said.

Last year, healthcare professionals were apprehensive of a possible ‘twindemic’ during the flu season. But CDC data revealed that 2020-21 flu cycle had unusually low cases despite high levels of testing both globally and in the U.S.

Out of the total 818,939 respiratory specimens tested nationally from September 2020 to May 2021, only 0.2% came out positive as the flu.

Weekly updates on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services show there was around 1,800 reported positive cases of influenza in Missouri during roughly the same time period. This was reportedly 99% fewer cases than the previous flu cycle, and 98% fewer than 2018-2019.

In Missouri, the years before the pandemic had anywhere between a 100 to 300 flu-related deaths during the winter months. But the most recent flu cycle of 2020-21 claimed a historically low number of only three deaths.

“Last year’s lower activity was partially due to citizen awareness of (COVID) protection measures, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing and avoiding the public when sick,” said Lisa Cox, communications director of the state health department. “Additionally, a record number of flu vaccines were distributed in the United States last season, which likely reduced flu illnesses even further.”

“Come November or December, (COVID-19) cases may go back up with the cold weather,” said Scott Clardy, former assistant director of Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, during a Zoom session with the Muleskinners in September. “It might be a long winter, and people would not be sure what (infection) they have.”

This makes Taylor Nelson, infectious disease specialist with MU Healthcare, concerned about the current flu cycle. She said she was fearful that a mild and almost nonexistent flu season like last year might mean the opposite for this season.

“For the most part, there’s not any residual immunity from last year which we have in the general population. Starting out the flu season this year, we don’t really have a significant community level of immunity that it potentially could peak the earlier flu season,” she said.
“And with relaxing mask mandates and other things, it has the potential to be a bad one.”

Nelson also echoed Clardy’s fears of how it can be really difficult to tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 from a clinical standpoint, with the sole exception of getting tested.

“I would say with COVID, the loss of taste and smell is probably a more common thing,” she said. “We don’t usually see that with the flu, but it can happen.

“Generally speaking, the symptoms kind of start a little later in the course with COVID,” Nelson said, adding that it is always better to err on the side of caution and get a test or take necessary precautions.

Contracting COVID-19 also leads to slight reddish blisters on fingers or toes which does not happen with the flu. But in case of dual infections moving into the peak flu season, it will be even harder to tell both apart.

“I anticipate we will see some co-infections, and those have the potential to be really bad. Especially for people who are at high risk, and have medical conditions or immunosuppression,” Nelson said. “That is another reason I really want to push getting the flu shot this year, as it can really protect from severe illness whenever they have dual infection.”

As of Nov. 8 in Missouri, there have been a total of two flu-related deaths and 587 positive cases of the flu this year.

Bird flu has been detected at a chicken farm in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita and local authorities have begun a cull of some 143,000 birds, the prefectural government said Wednesday.

The outbreak of avian flu, the first in Japan this season, was confirmed through genetic testing at a chicken farm in Yokote after a positive result was returned in a preliminary test the previous day.

The prefectural government also barred shipments of chickens or eggs from farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm. The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched personnel to help deal with the issue at the request of the prefecture.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called for the gathering of information and instructed the farm ministry and other government agencies to work closely to take prompt and thorough preventive steps.

According to the prefectural government, a veterinarian reported to local health authorities on Tuesday morning that the number of chickens dying at the farm in Yokote had been increasing.

When a preliminary test was undertaken on 13 of the chickens, 12 tested positive for avian flu.

Japan reports first bird flu outbreak of season, culling 143000 chickens [Reuters, 10 Nov 2021]

Bird flu has been detected at a chicken farm in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Akita and local authorities have begun a cull of some 143,000 birds, the prefectural government said Wednesday.

The outbreak of avian flu, the first in Japan this season, was confirmed through genetic testing at a chicken farm in Yokote after a positive result was returned in a preliminary test the previous day.

The prefectural government also barred shipments of chickens or eggs from farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm. The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched personnel to help deal with the issue at the request of the prefecture.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called for the gathering of information and instructed the farm ministry and other government agencies to work closely to take prompt and thorough preventive steps.

According to the prefectural government, a veterinarian reported to local health authorities on Tuesday morning that the number of chickens dying at the farm in Yokote had been increasing.

When a preliminary test was undertaken on 13 of the chickens, 12 tested positive for avian flu.

Japan culls 143,000 chickens to contain bird flu, as more European countries record cases [ABC News, 9 Nov 2021]

Japan has detected its first bird flu outbreak for the 2021 winter season, with farms in the United Kingdom and Poland also forced into mass culls by the disease.

Japan's Agriculture Ministry confirmed a case of "highly pathogenic avian influenza" at a poultry farm in the north-east of the country, meaning about 143,000 egg-laying chickens were exterminated at the farm in Yokote city in Akita Prefecture.

Restricted zones up to 10 kilometres from the site have been established.

Last winter, Japan had its worst season of winter flu on farms yet, with more than 3 million chickens culled and a quarter of the country's prefectures affected.

"Under the current situation in Japan, we do not believe that there is any possibility of avian influenza being transmitted to humans through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs," the ministry said.

But an increase in the number of people in China getting infected from bird flu this year is turning into a source of concern among epidemiological experts, especially as the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

China has reported 21 human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza in 2021 to the World Health Organization, compared with only five last year, it said, with six dead and many of the others critically ill.

Outbreaks of bird flu have also been reported in recent days and weeks in Europe with farms in Poland the latest locations for infections, totalling 650,000 poultry.

Poland is the European union's largest poultry producer and has reported several outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu at farms, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Five outbreaks, four at turkey fattening farms and one at a chicken broiler farm, were found in the eastern part of the country, while another was discovered at a turkey and goose farm in the western part of the country, the OIE said, citing a report from Polish authorities.

Bird flu, most often carried from one country to the other by migrating wild birds, has been spreading rapidly in Europe, raising concern in the poultry industry after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds and international trade restrictions.

In Britain, an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu was reported at a small poultry unit in central England, with all birds on the infected premises, near Alcester in Warwickshire, to be culled.

It comes less than a week after the country declared a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, ordering farms and bird keepers to toughen biosecurity measures.

The H5N1 strain had previously been confirmed at small backyard flock of chickens in north Wales, among captive birds in east Scotland and at a bird rescue centre in central England.

The French government last week put the entire country on high alert for bird flu, extending a requirement to keep all poultry flocks indoors.

This comes after Dutch authorities last month also ordered commercial farms to keep all flocks inside after bird flu was reported on a farm, while Germany, Italy and Denmark have also recorded recent outbreaks.

Germany reports another case of bird flu on farm [ZAWYA, 9 Nov 2021]

by Michael Hogan & Sam Holmes

An outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found

An outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found on another farm in north east Germany, authorities said on Tuesday.

The disease was confirmed on a small farm in Hohenkirchen in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the state ministry of agriculture and environment said.

Some 17 hens, 28 ducks and two geese were involved, the ministry said. It is the third case in the state.

Bird flu, most often carried from one country to the other by migrating wild birds, has been spreading rapidly in Europe, raising concern in the poultry industry after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds and international trade restrictions.

On Oct. 27, Germany reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu at a goose farm in the north of the country.

Poland has reported several outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu at poultry farms with flocks totalling nearly 650,000 birds involved, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Monday.

The French government on Friday put the entire country on high alert for bird flu, extending a requirement to keep all poultry flocks indoors. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL8N2RW20D

Bird flu spreads to Poland, hitting farms totalling 650000 poultry [Reuters, 9 Nov 2021]

by Sybille de La Hamaide, Gus Trompiz and Toby Chopra

PARIS, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Poland has reported several outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu at poultry farms with flocks totalling nearly 650,000 birds, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Monday.

Poland is the European Union's largest poultry producer.

Five outbreaks, of which four were at fattening turkey farms and one at a chicken broiler farm, were found in the eastern part of the country while another was discovered at a turkey and geese farm in the western part of the country, the OIE said, citing a report from Polish authorities.

Bird flu, most often carried from one country to the other by migrating wild birds, has been spreading rapidly in Europe, raising concern in the poultry industry after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds and international trade restrictions.

The French government on Friday put the entire country on high alert for bird flu, extending a requirement to keep all poultry flocks indoors.

This comes after Dutch authorities last month also ordered commercial farms to keep all flocks inside after bird flu was reported on a farm. [nA5N2C402D]

Meanwhile, in Britain an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu was reported at a small poultry unit in central England on Monday. Britain last week declared a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, ordering farms and bird keepers to toughen biosecurity measures.

Poland reports highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu in poultry: OIE [CGTN, 8 Nov 2021]

Poland has reported several outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu at poultry farms in flocks totaling nearly 650,000 birds, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said on Monday.

Five outbreaks, of which four occurred at fattening turkey farms and one at a chicken broiler farm, were found in the eastern part of the country while another was discovered at a turkey and geese farm in the western part of the country, the OIE said, citing a report from Polish authorities.

Britain, Poland report several outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu in poultry [The Straits Times, 8 Nov 2021]

LONDON/PARIS (REUTERS) - An outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu has been reported at a small poultry unit in central England, the country's farm ministry confirmed on Monday (Nov 8).

All birds on the infected premises, near Alcester in Warwickshire, will be culled.

The outbreak comes less than week after Britain declared a nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, ordering farms and bird keepers to toughen biosecurity measures.

The H5N1 strain had previously been confirmed at small backyard flock of chickens in north Wales, among captive birds in east Scotland and at a bird rescue centre in central England.
The virus has been spreading across Europe during the last few weeks with outbreaks in several countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Poland also reported several outbreaks at poultry farms with flocks totalling nearly 650,000 birds, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Monday.

Five outbreaks, of which four at fattening turkey farms and one at a chicken broiler farm, were found in the eastern part of the country while another was discovered at a turkey and geese farm in the western part of the country, the OIE said, citing a report from Polish authorities.

Poultry keepers warned after avian flu confirmed in swan [FarmersWeekly, 29 Oct 2021]

By Jonathan Riley

A case of avian influenza (AI) in captive birds at a swan rescue centre in Worcestershire has been confirmed as the high pathogenic strain (HPAI H5N1).

The case was identified by Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) officials at a rescue centre near Droitwich Spa, Wychavon, Worcestershire, earlier this week. But further testing has since revealed it is the more concerning strain.

Following confirmation, the 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones were replaced by a 3km Protection and a 10km Surveillance Zone around the premises.

Risk levels have been raised for wild birds from low to medium, while the risk to poultry units remains low to medium.

However, the Apha warned all poultry keepers to maintain biosecurity and vigilance as increasing numbers of potentially diseased migratory birds fly in to the UK.

China announces new case of bird flu infection in humans [Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald, 29 Oct 2021]

The Health Commission of Guangdong Province, South China, ad this Thursday the existence of a new case of infection of the H5N6 strain of bird flu in humans.

The new case occurred in the city of Dongguan, in a context in which the increase in people infected with bird flu in China during 2021 is generating concern among experts, who explain that the current situation is probably given by the mutation of a strain that has become much more infectious to humans than its predecessors.

During the current year, China has reported 21 cases of human infections with the H5N6 subtype of avian influenza to the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a notable increase compared to only 5 infections in the year previous.

“The increase in human cases in China this year is worrying. It is a virus that causes high mortality,” said Thijs Kuiken, professor of comparative pathology at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, who noted that it is urgently needed. , further research in this regard that allows us to understand the current increase in infections in people, as well as the potential risks that this implies.

A study published on the website of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cited by Reuters, states that “the increasing genetic diversity and geographic distribution of H5N6 represents a serious threat to the poultry industry and human health.”

Avian flu outbreak in Stratford kills two swan cygnets [Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald, 29 Oct 2021]

By Simon Woodings

Cyril Bennis, who is the swan carer in Stratford-upon-Avon, said: “We are on a state of high alert, things are critical and I’m holding my breath because we are not able to control what’s happening at the moment. The Vale Hospital and Rescue Centre confirmed they’d put the cygnets to sleep after avian flu was confirmed.”

Last year Stratford lost 25 swans to bird flu which is a threat to swans, ducks, geese and pigeons but it’s the cygnets who appear most at risk according to Mr Bennis.

“I’m waiting for more guidance from DEFRA but in the meantime I’m working on a day-to-day basis and hopefully the RSPCA will help me to. I’m taking precautions like wearing a big safety suit and using disinfectant all the time,” Mr Bennis said.

Although the risk to humans is very low, Cyril Bennis has urged people not to pick up dead birds and to not feed swans on the River Avon to reduce the risk of spreading the virus through the animals congregating together.

Bird flu case reported in Czech Republic [The Poultry Site, 29 Oct 2021]

Animal health authorities in the Czech Republic have recorded a bird flu outbreak at a commercial poultry farm.

Reuters reports that the low-pathogenic H5N1 bird flu outbreak was identified at a commercial poultry farm in Rohozna, 130 kilometres (80.78 miles) from the capital Prague. State veterinary authorities say that nearly 5,000 birds will be culled on the farm site.

A protective, 2-km perimeter will be set around the farm.