What is bird flu and how can we help to stop its spread?
Bird or avian flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads amongst birds and which, in rare cases, can affect humans.
Right now, there is a bird flu epidemic in the UK, and across the globe. But what does that mean, and how can we help?
What is influenza?
In 1918, the world was in the grip of World War I. As destructive as the war was, people were unprepared for yet another wave of trauma and death - the great influenza. It was known as the ‘Spanish Flu’ and forced whole cities to shut down. Between 50-100 million people died worldwide.
By 1919, the virus had disappeared altogether. Researchers are unsure what brought about its end, but they've used the virus to research ways to combat today's deadly H5N1 flu, also known as ‘Bird Flu’.
What is bird flu?
Avian influenza, known informally as avian flu or bird flu, is a variety of influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds. Bird flu is similar to swine flu, dog flu, horse flu and human flu as it is an illness caused by strains of influenza viruses that have adapted to a specific host.
Though influenza A is adapted to birds, it can also adapt and sustain person-to-person transmission. Recent influenza studies (based on the Spanish Flu research mentioned before) shows it to have genes adapted from both human and avian strains, allowing for mixtures of genes to create new viruses… which most people have little or no immunity against.
The History of Bird Flu
The most widely quoted date for the beginning of avian influenza (initially known as fowl plague) was in 1878 when it was marked as unique to other diseases, as it caused high mortality rates in birds alone.
In the 1990s, the world's poultry population grew massively (76% in developing countries and 23% in developed countries), which contributed to the increased prevalence of avian influenza. Before the 1990s, HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) caused high mortality in poultry, but infections were infrequent and containable. However outbreaks became more common due to the high density and frequent movement of flocks from intensive poultry production.
Between 2013 and 2017, almost a thousand lab-confirmed human cases of the H7N9 variation of bird flu were reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) - including 35 deaths and 2 potential cases of human-to-human transmission. In addition, poultry and egg producers experienced the largest outbreak of H5N2 in recorded history with approximately 51 million birds depopulated to control the spread of the disease. 25 million birds were culled, equating to 409,836 birds per day or 284 birds per minute.
The Current Outbreak
Today, the 'biggest ever outbreak of bird flu in Great Britain' has been blamed for killing thousands of birds in the UK. Wild and captive birds across the country have died or been killed as a result of the virus, with climate change suggested as having increased the severity of the outbreak.
At the time of writing, over 60 outbreaks have been confirmed across the country as birds migrating into the UK, for the winter, bring the influenza virus back with them. While the risk to human health is described as 'very low' by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), steps to protect birds are being urged.
Our Responsibility
Finches Friend wild bird feeders were developed to help in the fight against disease, specifically Trichomonosis - a parasitic disease that is decimating our finch populations. The parasite is transferred by direct contact and contaminated food. Contamination generally takes place through the saliva of birds trying to swallow and then depositing in the food source.
At Finches Friend, we have a mantra we call “Food, Feet and Faeces” which means we aim to provide dry food, and to ensure that the birds cannot walk or defecate in the food we give them. Whilst the Trichomonosis parasite cannot be transferred by faeces, Bird Flu absolutely can. Bird Flu is viral. We should be cleaning our feeders regularly and presently, we recommend twice weekly. Just one infected migratory bird visiting a feeder can spread the virus.
The current strain circulating in the UK, H5N1 is not dangerous to people, however extra care should be taken when cleaning feeders such as:
wearing clean rubber gloves
cleaning feeders outside in hot soapy water and disinfectant,
keeping your hands away from your face and
washing your hands thoroughly after cleaning.
Although many Brits may only notice the impact of Bird Flu when they’re unable to get their traditional Christmas turkey or goose, those who care and are invested in helping the environment can take a few steps to help stop the transmission of deadly diseases and viruses in their gardens.
Provide dry food
Keep birds’ feet out of the food and water you put out
Provide food and water that birds can’t defecate and
Use a responsible and regularly cleaned feeder/drinker.
