Social distancing is back as Brits urged to ‘stay away’ from birds amid fears of next human pandemic
BRITS must stay at least two meters from wild birds, according to new official advice from health chiefs amid fears of another human pandemic.
In new guidance to help Brits “stay safe”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned bird flu posed a “risk to human health”.
People should avoid all contact with wild birds, which includes pigeons, swans, and seagulls, government officials said.
Under the guidance created with the RSPCA and Animal and Plant Health Agency, Brits are also urged to steer clear of animal droppings and dead birds.
At all times, people should also aim to stand “at least two metres” away “if you can”.
The new advice comes amid fears that bird flu, which has killed “unprecedented” numbers of birds and other mammals in the last few years, might be the next human pandemic.
While bird flu typically affects poultry and wild birds, it can be transmitted to mammals, including humans.
Research shows the death rate in humans can be as high as 60 per cent.
At least 882 people have been infected with bird flu in the past 20 years – and 461 of these died.
The symptoms of bird flu
THE main symptoms of bird flu can appear very quickly.
- A very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery
- Aching muscles
- Headache
- A cough or shortness of breath
Other early symptoms may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Sickness
- Stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Bleeding from the nose and gums
- Conjunctivitis
There is currently no evidence to suggest bird flu, known as H5N1, can jump from human to human.
However, experts fear the sheer scale of the current spread could give the virus more opportunities to mutate, enabling H5N1 to better spread in humans.
There is no human bird flu jab on the market, but the UK government is said to be drawing up plans to stockpile regular flu vaccine in case of a pandemic.
It would be the first time it has been done for the disease, regarded as a top threat for the next global health emergency.
There have been five confirmed cases of bird flu in the UK since 2022.
The risk appears higher in the Far East, with two deaths in Cambodia and at least one “cluster” of cases that raised fears of human-to-human transmission.
The UKHSA advice to stay at least two metres away from wild birds was drawn up for people who “need to handle” the animals.
It also called on Brits who keep birds in the gardens or backyards to “not bring [them] into your house or enclosed space”.
Other guidance includes wearing clothes that prevent scratch or bite injuries, such as trousers or long sleeves, and using masks, disposable gloves and eye protection.