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Posted: 9th February 2015

Avian flu virus spread by wild birds

Wild birds are thought to be responsible for spreading the H5N8 strain of avain flu around the world.

Outbreaks in poultry could become more common

Wild birds are to blame for spreading avian flu around the world, say a team of scientists from the Erasmus Medical Centre in the Netherlands.

The scientists are now warning that outbreaks in poultry could become more common, especially in ill-prepared countries.

In November 2014, a strain of the H5N8 avian flu was confirmed at a duck breeding farm in Yorkshire. The detection led to the culling of over 6,000 birds.

Outbreaks of the H5N8 strain of avian flu were also reported in Asia, Europe and, for the first time, North America.

Certain strains of avain flu can pass to humans, though cases are rare and infection usually requires close contact with infected birds.

The scientists say that the discovery of the presence of H5 viruses in migrating birds is "worrisome".

Writing in the journal, Science, the researchers say: "More poultry outbreaks could occur in the future, especially in countries that are ill-prepared. Despite the currently low public health risk, the outbreaks should be monitored closely, given that several animal species are susceptible and that influenza viruses are generally unpredictable."

'How a virus travels the world,' written by Josanne H. Verhagen, Sander Herfst and Ron A.M. Fouchier, is published in Science.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here.

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