General Chat

There was a notice from Defra in our local paper the other day. Basically saying anyone with over 50 chickens, etc. Would have to register with them. Can't remember dates etc. Did say it could become law though. I worry as that thing next door has about 7 chickens and ducks and a parrot (thats indoors). It's recently taken to letting them all wonder over the 25 foot garden only feet from us. They jump over her bits of fence and onto the garden chairs in her garden it's only luck they haven't all come over to ours. What am I supposed to do. I'm not letting my children become at risk because shes trying to wind us up.

That is the biggest problem - flu viruses can, and do, mutate, rapidly and unpredictably. The more birds and humans that are affected by the virus - the greater the risk of mutation. But so far, so good, because of swift action by governments of the countries affected, it has been kept under control. There is no reason why it shouldn't remain under control! That's assuming our Government (if the virus arrives here) doesn't cock it all up. (excuse the pun!) Bev x PS I don't have a lot of faith in our Government but thats just my opinion, lol!

Len, Thank you for such a comprehensive explanation. CB >|< :>)

Because of concerns about the potential for more widespread infection in the human population, public health authorities closely monitor outbreaks of human illness associated with avian influenza. To date, human infections with avian influenza A viruses detected since 1997 have not resulted in sustained human-to-human transmission. However, because influenza A viruses have the potential to change and gain the ability to spread easily between people, monitoring for human infection and person-to-person transmission is important.

Q & As on bird flu here: http://news.bbc*co.uk/1/hi/health/3422839.stm The risk from bird flu to humans is mainly through contact. The big worry is a mutant form passed between humans which they estimate could cause worldwide deaths between 2 and 50 million people. nell

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated secretions or excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The “low pathogenic” form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100% often within 48 hours.

Jenny, I don't think we need worry yet. Time enough when or if it is in this country. even then worrying isn't goung to solve anything, will just cause you stress. In our local paper an expert from Slimbridge says we should not be worrying about migrating birds carrying it to us as swans etc will soon (& I believe they have started) be migrating back to where they have com from, unless there is a prolonged (at least 10 day) cold spell there will not be any more migrating to England. Ann Glos

Hi Jenny I expect everyones worried - the trick is not letting worry become panic! I haven't actually heard of any seabirds anywhere in the world being affected, so don't panic! Remember that so far, everyone who has been affected by bird flu has had close contact with poultry and only poultry ............ Bev x

Thanks for your replies. I worry about Seagulls and possibly folks that keep Pigeons. Lots of people are constantly getting Seagull faeces dropped on them. Yes I live on the coast and we are always moaning about the droppings. You cannot go a couple of weeks without getting 'splattered' Sometimes you do not realise and touch your coat, or whatever and get it on your hands. Should we all be worried or not? Jenny.

The way I see it, If it can kill humans, it can spread from one species of bird to another without any problem. Lin XX

Any bird, but it isn't common in small wild birds. The most likely affected and most important carriers are large birds especially water fowl - ducks, swans etc and of course, poultry and game birds. Bev x

I was under the impression it was ANY bird - I heard it it mentioned that chicken farmers were concerned about infected migrating birds stopping on their land

Obviously it has been found in Duck and Swans. Can Seagulls and Pigeons for example catch it? Jenny x