Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu)

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds caused by influenza viruses closely related to human influenza viruses. It is an important disease economically for poultry farmers because of losses in poultry flocks. Transmission to humans in close contact with poultry or other birds occurs rarely and only with some strains of avian influenza. The potential for transformation of avian influenza into a form that both causes severe disease in humans and spreads easily from person to person is a great concern for world health and is the subject of extensive research.

Further information:

• |Avian Influenza information from the NHS
• |Department of Health - information, advice and frequently asked questions about influenza.
• |DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
• |Surrey County Council
• Notify your local |Animal Health Office in the event of a suspicious poultry or domestic bird death.
• Business Planning Advice for employers is available from |WHO (World Health Organisation).
• Bird Gatherings - if the avian influenza situation changes in the UK so may the requirements regarding bird gatherings. For more information see |DEFRA Animal Health Office.
• Travel advice
  The chances of catching bird flu are very low but it is wise to take the following precautions:
  - do not visit bird or poultry farms or markets and avoid close contact with live or dead poultry
  - do not eat raw or poorly cooked poultry or poultry products
  - wash your hands frequently using soap and water
  - do not attempt to bring any live birds or poultry products back to the UK.