1. Introduction
Croydon Council has received information from two other Councils in Southwest London (Kingston, and Richmond and Wandsworth) reporting dead birds, with suspected cases of avian influenza.
Public health will continue to monitor the situation and update if the situation evolves and/or if any action is required.
2. Summary
Avian influenza status
There have been reports of dead birds in two Southwest London Boroughs. The latest situation for avian influenza in England can be found here. There have not been any confirmed cases of avian influenza in Croydon.
Key messages - Advice for residents
· The risk to public health from avian influenza remains low and transmission to humans is rare and only occurs in people who have been in close contact with infected birds.
· All members of the public should stay away from ill or dead birds.
· Do not touch or get close to the bird but rather to call Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
· Please be aware even people wearing full PPE, may still require follow-up, so it is important for people to avoid contact with ill or dead birds.
3. Recommendations
Public Health are actively monitoring the situation and will update further as the situation evolves and if any further action is required.
4. Context
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by the influenza A virus. Birds are the hosts for most avian influenza viruses, and a variety of influenza subtypes can be found in birds, particularly in waterfowl and shore birds. Domestic poultry are especially vulnerable, and the virus can rapidly cause epidemics in flocks.1
Human infections with avian influenza are rare. However, some viruses, such as H5N1 or H7N9, have been associated with human disease. 1
The symptoms of avian influenza in humans vary depending on the strain or subtype of the virus involved. Most infections take the form of a flu-like illness (fever, cough, body or muscle pain, sore throat, runny nose). Other symptoms can include conjunctivitis (red, sore, and discharging eyes).1.
The public health risk of avian influenza to humans is low and transmission to humans is rare.
5. Controls and action
There have not been any confirmed cases of avian influenza in Croydon, however due to the nature of transmission of avian influenza in the bird population, Croydon Council are working closely with our colleagues from UKHSA and relevant partners to monitor the situation.
6. Essential public messages to reduce the risk
The risk to the public health from avian influenza is low.
All members of the public should stay away from ill or dead birds.
Do not touch or pick up dead or visibly sick birds. If you find dead wild birds (especially swans, geese, ducks, gulls, or birds of prey), report them to the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or via the online form on gov.uk.
Please be aware even people wearing full PPE, may still require follow-up, so it is important for people to avoid contact with ill or dead birds.
7. Further information
Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Animal and Plant Health (APHA): Latest Bird Flu Situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public. This includes updates on the Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ).
DEFRA have produced guidance on biosecurity and hygiene standards to keep birds safe.
Animal and Plant Health (APHA): maintains an Interactive Avian Influenza Disease Map
Health and Safety Executive Guidance: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on working with poultry that is suspected of having avian influenza
1https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/avian-influenza-guidance-data-and-analysis
