Avian Flu Information

In light of the recent news about about avian influenza and its effect on people and birds, we felt it necessary to present some of the important facts.

Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans. The strain of the virus currently in the news is known as H5N1, affecting waterfowl (particularly ducks) and poultry (particularly chickens and turkeys).
It should be emphasised that the H5N1 virus does not pass readily from bird to human. Humans are usually infected only through close contact with live infected birds. Though more than 100 human cases have occurred in the current outbreak, this is a small number compared with the huge number of birds affected and the numerous associated opportunities for human exposure. People in close contact with infected poultry or infective material from poultry are most at risk. This would include poultry farm workers, veterinarians and others involved in disease control.
Human to human transmission of the H5N1 virus is extremely rare and requires very close contact with an ill person.In no instance has the virus spread beyond a first generation of close contacts or caused illness in the general community.

At the present time, it is highly unlikely that The Raptor Foundations birds will come into contact with the virus. At present, The Raptor Foundation is unable to accept for treatment any non-raptor species. Please contact us if you find any injured bird that we cannot treat and we will direct you to a suitable treatment centre, but please do not bring the bird to us.

Other than the above restrictions, we feel that no other special precautions are needed in terms of protection of The Raptor Foundations birds, staff, volunteers and visitors. This policy will be kept under constant revue in the light of any change to the current situation.

This information has been collected from the following sites where more detailed information may be obtained.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Joint Nature Conservation Comittee (JNCC)
British Falconers' Club
Great Western Referrals

DEFRA have published a leaflet giving domestic bird owners information about protecting birds from the risk of Avian Flu.