What you should know about bird flu in the UK – and its impact on humans

Published

22 hours ago

February 10, 2025

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The UK has been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) – and bird “gatherings” have been banned in England and Wales in response to rising cases of bird flu.

Strains of the virus have been reported in poultry and wild birds across the country – and one person working on a farm in the West Midlands.

Although there has only been one human case, the government has ordered five million doses of a bird flu vaccine to prevent further spread between humans.

Human-to-human transmission has not happened in the UK or Europe since bird flu first emerged in 1997, but experts warn each infection increases the risk of the virus adapting to human hosts – and causing a pandemic. Here is what you need to know.

What is avian flu – and how does it spread?

Avian flu (more commonly known as bird flu) is an influenza virus most common in wild birds and poultry. It can spread to mammals – and very rarely to humans.

It is spread through contact with infected birds, or other species, including through touching their droppings and bedding.

Humans can also catch the virus by killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), people who work with birds are most likely to contract it by breathing in dust and mist generated by infected birds – or touching infected equipment or machinery.

Symptoms in birds include sudden death, a swollen head, and closed or runny eyes. Mortality rates in chickens and other poultry are close to 100%.

Ducks, geese, and swans do not always show symptoms, which means they can spread the virus undetected. Scientists at the University of Glasgow recently found that horses were also asymptomatic for bird flu, sparking concerns the scale of the global outbreak could be higher than previously thought.

In humans, symptoms develop between three and five days after exposure and include:

A high temperature;
Headache and muscle aches;
Coughing and shortness of breath;
Diarrhoea and vomiting;
Conjunctivitis;
Chest pain;
Bleeding from nose and gums.

It is different from seasonal influenza which infects humans each winter. This year the most common strains are A(H1N1) and A(H3N2).

Like seasonal influenza however, in humans it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory problems, and sometimes death – particularly in vulnerable people.

How widespread is the UK outbreak – and beyond?

The current outbreak stretches back to 2020 when the virus spread widely across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Antarctica.

By 2021 and 2022 sea birds along the UK coastline were dying – and eventually the virus spread to non-wild birds – including poultry.

The current poultry outbreak began with the (HPAI) H5N5 strain being identified in England on 5 November last year – and the (HPAI) H5N1 strain 12 days later. There has now been one case of each confirmed in Scotland – and just over 30 of the latter in England.

Most cases are in the east of England – from Essex and Suffolk to Yorkshire. The West Midlands, Merseyside, parts of Cornwall, Rye in Sussex, and Flintshire in Wales have also been impacted.

There has only been one human case in the UK. The patient is “currently well” and being treated at a high-consequence infectious disease unit to prevent further transmission, the government says. Their closest contacts have been given antiviral drugs.

Beyond the UK, a slightly different strain has spread to about 156 million birds in the US as well as jumping to dairy cows – closing bird and cattle markets in certain states.

Almost 70 human cases have been confirmed there, including one fatal one in Louisiana in January – in a patient over the age of 65. Another fatal case has been reported in Mexico, and a teenage girl in Canada became seriously ill from the virus last year but was discharged last month.

Human-to-human transmission is confined to a small number of cases in Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

How likely is further human spread in the UK?

Although both strains are “highly pathogenic” – this only refers to the risk to birds – not humans.

And according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the risk to the general public is “very low”.

“For most people, it’s not a direct threat at the moment,” Professor Ed Hutchinson, professor of molecular and cellular virology at the University of Glasgow, told Sky News.

“Flu viruses can adapt to new host species – they do it far more than any other virus – but it’s still very hard for them to do,” he said. “As a result, new flu strains only jump into humans every few decades.”

This is because to infect a human and create a viral load large enough to spread to other humans, the virus needs to adapt in three ways.

First, it must attach itself to the sugar molecules on the surface of our cells, before it can infect them by interacting with molecules inside – and both these types of molecules are structured differently in humans and birds.

Finally, it needs to be able to fight off the immune system – and our immune systems operate differently to the ones birds have.

“So far it hasn’t been able to adapt enough to jump from human to human, so that’s good news,” Prof Hutchinson said.

“For the time being we’re only at the first step of what progression to a human adapted virus looks like.”

But, he stressed: “The virus is already doing a lot of the things that would count as early warning signs for a possible future pandemic – and every infection of a human is another opportunity for it to adapt.

“So it’s rightly being viewed with a lot of concern. But that does not mean it’s necessarily capable of causing a pandemic, and even if there is still time to intervene to reduce the risk of it doing so.”

How can we stop it spreading?

Birds are not vaccinated for bird flu in the UK and are scarcely given antiviral medication to prevent drug resistance.

The restrictions currently in place for bird owners largely work by segregating commercial, and domestic birds from wild flocks – as the virus is harder to monitor in wild populations.

Poultry farmers with cases are forced to cull most of their other livestock within a certain radius, which is devastating for livelihoods – and pushes up the price of eggs and other poultry products.

If you see a dead bird with any of the key symptoms – you should report it to the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) by phone or online. The British Trust for Ornithology (BNO) also has an online tracker people can use that monitors the virus’s spread in near-real time.

If possible, preventing pets from scavenging dead birds can help stop the spread – particularly waterfowl or seabirds as they are the main carriers.

Eating eggs or cooked poultry does not risk any spread as neither of them contain any of the living organisms flu viruses need to survive.

In the US where cows have become infected, the virus will only survive in milk that hasn’t been pasteurised – as heat kills it instantly.

What restrictions are in place?

All four UK nations are currently designated Avian Influenza Prevention Zones.

From pet birds to a commercial flock, owners are required to keep them away from wild birds, free from rodents or pests, and to disinfect their pens, clothing, and anything else that comes into contact with their birds, bedding, or faeces.

Movement of birds and human contact should be minimised – and all activity monitored, the guidance adds.

People who own more than 50 birds must have government-mandated disinfectant foot dip at all entry and exit points.

Members of the public are banned from feeding wild game birds within 500m of any premises with more than 500 poultry or captive birds (kept as pets or in zoos).

In the East of England and Shropshire, stricter restrictions require all birds to be kept inside.

Any cases of highly pathogenic bird flu trigger a 3km (1.9-mile) protection zone and 10km (6.2-mile) surveillance zone around them.

As of midday on 10 February in England and Wales, bird “gatherings” of ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl are banned.

These include bringing birds together for fairs, markets, sales, exhibitions – or transporting a group from different premises together.

UK

Mayor says death of British couple in French village may be linked to ‘problem from past’

Published

1 hour ago

February 11, 2025

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Mayor says death of British couple in French village may be linked to 'problem from past'

The deaths of a British couple in rural France could be linked to a “problem from the past or somewhere far away,” according to a local mayor.

Andrew Searle, 62, and Dawn Searle, 56, are reported to have been found dead by a German friend, who lives nearby, after Mr Searle didn’t arrive for one of their regular dog walks.

The couple moved to the hamlet of Les Pesquies around a decade ago and were married in 2023 in the nearby town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, by the mayor Jean-Sebastien Orcibal, who is also their neighbour.

Speaking to Sky News from the town hall in which he conducted the couple’s wedding ceremony, he said: “It doesn’t seem like the problem comes from here because when we knew them and saw them living here they were very happy, very friendly and didn’t seem to have any problems.

“The problem seems to come from the past or somewhere far away.

“It’s an isolated act, it’s very independent. It doesn’t say that it’s a very dangerous territory, in fact, it’s very peaceful and that’s why probably Andy and Dawn chose to live here, because it’s very peaceful.

“Now, did their past come back and get them? That’s another story. That’s totally different from where we are. It could’ve happened anywhere.”

Investigators are reportedly looking at whether the British couple was killed during a burglary, but all lines of inquiry – including murder-suicide or potential links to Mr Searle’s previous work as an organised crime financial investigator in the UK – are open.

A LinkedIn profile in his name says he retired in 2015 after working for Barclays and Standard Life, and was “enjoying life in rural France”.

His page talks about “over 20 years experience specialising in Financial Crime Prevention (AML, Fraud and Anti-Bribery) with a high profile in the industry and an extensive network of contacts”.

Neighbours described them as a happy couple, who have fully integrated into rural French life and hold an annual party for villagers.

Ms Searle’s hairdresser said she was due to see her for her monthly appointment next week and would also regularly see her at their Pilates class.

“She was really a very alive woman, she would come and bring some positive energy when she arrived in the room. She was a ball of positive energy,” she said.

She said Ms Searle would talk a lot about her children, who she would visit without her husband.

Ms Searle’s son, the country musician and former Hollyoaks star Callum Kerr, said in an Instagram statement on Saturday that he and his sister Amanda Kerr and Mr Searle’s two children, Tom and Ella Searle, were grieving.

“She was always very joyful and happy,” the hairdresser said.

“She didn’t talk about any financial problems, I don’t think she has financial problems.

“She would say, ‘with Andy we did this, we did that’. She didn’t seem to have a problem with her husband.

“It’s really shocking and difficult to understand.”

Ms Searle’s body was reportedly found outside their home with a head injury, with jewellery found scattered nearby, while Mr Searle’s body was discovered inside the house hanged and gagged, according to local media.

But the reports have not been officially confirmed.

The public prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller, who is leading the investigation, previously said that while both “died violent deaths… all hypotheses remain open”.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities.”

UK

Warren Gatland leaves role as Wales rugby head coach with immediate effect

Published

1 hour ago

February 11, 2025

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Warren Gatland leaves role as Wales rugby head coach with immediate effect

Warren Gatland is leaving his role as Wales rugby head coach with immediate effect.

The 61-year-old was in charge of the national team between 2007 and 2019, before returning to the post in 2022.

He is Wales‘s longest-serving head coach and arguably the most successful in the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) history, with a gate at Cardiff‘s Principality Stadium renamed “Gatland’s Gate” in honour of him in 2019.

But pressure has been growing on Gatland amid a record string of defeats for his Welsh side – 14 losses in a row.

The WRU confirmed on Tuesday that Gatland will be replaced by Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt on an interim basis.

The team had a disappointing autumn international series, including losing to Fiji at home in Cardiff for the first time.

The team also suffered the indignity of picking up the wooden spoon in last year’s Six Nations championship for the first time since 2003, and are yet to win a game at this year’s tournament.

Wales failed to score in this year’s opening match, losing to France 43-0, before going on to lose to Italy 22-15 on Saturday.

Gatland returned to Welsh rugby union after succeeding fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac as Wales head coach.

He also served as head coach for three British and Irish Lions tours in 2013, 2017, and 2021.

In his original stint as Wales head coach, Gatland oversaw four Six Nations victories – including three grand slams, when Wales won every game they played.

Gatland reached out to WRU chief executive Abi Tierney on Monday to discuss his future.

Ms Tierney said Gatland and the union agreed that making the change now – part way through the Six Nations championship – was “in the best interests of the Wales squad”.

She said the WRU was grateful to Gatland “for all he has done for the game in Wales”.

“He remains our longest-serving and most decorated head coach in terms of the silverware he has won,” she added.

‘Time for a change’

Gatland thanked the WRU for “affording [him] the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament”.

“We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change,” he added.

Sherratt will oversee Wales for the rest of the tournament, before a permanent replacement is named ahead of fixtures in Japan in the summer.

Speaking ahead of this year’s Six Nations championship, Gatland told critics to “write us off at your peril”.

Gatland is not the first departure from the WRU in recent months, after the WRU’s executive director of rugby quit in December.

When he stepped down, Nigel Walker said it was “right” that he was “judged on performances on the pitch”.

He said: “Both of our senior teams have found the last 12 months extremely difficult and therefore I believe now is the right time for me to step down”.

UK

Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr not guilty of racial harassment over ‘stupid and white’ remarks

Published

1 hour ago

February 11, 2025

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Chelsea footballer Sam Kerr not guilty of racial harassment over 'stupid and white' remarks

A jury has found Chelsea striker Sam Kerr not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment after calling a police officer “stupid and white”.

The Australian football star was charged after an incident in southwest London in the early hours of 30 January 2023.

Kingston Crown Court was told Kerr, 31, and her partner, West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis, had been out drinking when they were driven to Twickenham Police Station by a taxi driver.

The driver had complained that they had refused to pay clean-up costs after one of them was sick and that one of them smashed the vehicle’s rear window.

At the police station, Kerr was accused of becoming “abusive and insulting” towards PC Stephen Lovell, calling him “f****** stupid and white”.

During the trial, she denied suggesting PC Lovell was “stupid because he was white” and that her remark amounted to the charge of causing racially aggravated harassment.

She told the court she “feared for my life” as she and her partner were “trapped” in the back of a taxi, moments before Ms Mewis smashed the vehicle’s rear window.

Judge Peter Lodder KC said after the verdict: “I take the view her own behaviour contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation.

“I don’t go behind the jury’s verdict but that has a significant bearing on the question of costs.”

During the trial, Ms Kerr said she regretted the way she expressed herself but added: “I feel the message was still relevant”.

She denied using “whiteness as an insult” and claimed: “I believed it was him using his power and privilege over me because he was accusing me of being something I’m not…

“I was trying to express that due to the power and privilege they had, they would never have to understand what we had just gone through and the fear we were having for our lives.”

The court heard how Ms Kerr and Ms Mewis felt “dismissed” by Pc Lovell after explaining how they had been “trapped” in the back of a taxi and “held against our will”.

Ms Mewis smashed the taxi’s rear window before the pair climbed out of the vehicle, which was parked near Twickenham police station.

The court heard that at the station, Ms Kerr, her partner and Pc Lovell got into a “heated argument”, and Ms Kerr told police “this is a racial f****** thing”.

She told the jury: “I believed were treating me differently because of what they perceived to be the colour of my skin – particularly Pc Lovell’s behaviour.

“The way he was accusing me of lying, and later arresting me for criminal damage even though Kristie said it was just her (who smashed the taxi’s window).

“At the time, I thought they were trying to put it on me.”