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London, UK – January 28, 2025
A “rare” human case of bird flu has been confirmed in England, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on Monday. The infected individual, who contracted the A(H5N1) strain, is reported to have acquired the infection while working on a farm in the West Midlands, where they had close and prolonged contact with infected birds.
UKHSA officials reassured the public that the risk to wider society remains very low, noting that the individual is currently in good health and has been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit for care and monitoring.
The infected birds were found to carry the DI.2 genotype, a strain distinct from those circulating in mammals and birds in the United States. Despite this confirmed case, health authorities emphasized that there is no evidence of the A(H5N1) strain spreading from human to human.
“The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case,” said Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, also downplayed concerns, stating, “While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises.”
In response to the outbreak, all infected birds on the farm are being humanely culled, and disinfection and cleansing procedures will be implemented to limit the spread of the disease.
The UK has seen an increasing number of bird flu cases, both in commercial farms and backyard flocks, leading to heightened vigilance among public health authorities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from the UK Health and Security Agency and other public health sources. The situation may evolve, and individuals are advised to follow official guidelines for updates and safety precautions.
