The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a human case of avian flu (H5N1) in the West Midlands region. Human transmission of avian flu from birds is rare, and has only occurred a few times in the UK.

The person became infected on a farm, following close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds, and so there is little risk to the wider public. The Animal and Plant Agency (APHA) identified an outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) in a flock of birds, and so UKHSA performed routine monitoring to those who had been in close contact with birds, discovering the confirmed case.

The individual is currently well and was admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit. The birds were infected with the DI.2 genotype, which is a different strain to the ones circulating in mammals and birds in the US.

Despite there having been no demonstrated human-to-human transmission of influenza A (H5N1), UKHSA has traced all individuals who have been in contact with the confirmed case of avian flu, and offering antiviral treatment to those most at risk. This is to try prevent any virus exposure causing infection.

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: “The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case. We have robust systems in place to detect cases early and taken necessary action, as we know that spillover infections from birds to humans may occur.

“Currently there is no evidence of onwards transmission from this case.

“People are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds and it’s important that they follow Defra advice about reporting any suspected avian influenza cases.”

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises.

“We took swift action to limit the spread of the disease at the site in question, all infection birds are being humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises will be undertaken all to strict biosecure standards. This is a reminder that stringent biosecurity is essential when keeping animals.

“We are seeing a growing number of avian flu cases in birds on both commercial farms and in backyard flocks across the country. Implementing scrupulous biosecurity measures will help protect the health and welfare of your birds from the threat of avian influenza and other diseases.”