Christmas dinners could 'disappear', all thanks to the bird flu outbreak across UK. This warning has come from a poultry farmer as the cases of bird flu have gone up from North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Devon, and East Sussex. This warning came from farmer Andrew Goodman, who works at Goodman's Geese in Great Witley, Worcestershire, as reported in BBC. He said that the threat of bird flu infection was a "continual worry", especially when it is ahead of the festive period. He told BBC that a single outbreak of the disease could lead to 10,000 Christmas lunches to disappear. "You're finished basically. If we got it, all the birds would be slaughtered on the farm and then, with our free-range system, you're not allowed to restock for 12 months. Which would mean no birds for Christmas next year."What Is Bird Flu?Bird flu spreads from bird droppings and saliva. This happens especially when they feed on birdfeed and water. Authorities have expanded compulsory poultry housing measures—previously limited to the North, Midlands and East—to all of England starting Thursday, in an effort to curb disease transmission. A nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone also remains in force, mandating stringent biosecurity and hygiene protocols.Health and Me had earlier reported that the UK had ordered 5 million vaccines against bird flu, also dubbed as "one mutation from being the next COVID". The comparison of bird flu with COVID, comes from the mutation that has recently been seen in the avian flu, which has affected animals and humans alike. Similar to how the corona virus previously also mutated, and continues to do so.What are the symptoms one must look out for?Pink eyefeverfatiguecoughmuscle achessore throatnauseavomitingdiarrheastudy or runny noseshortness of breathBirds flu in humansThe first case of the recent bird flu outbreak in the US came in September, from a Missouri resident. However, the person did not have any exposure to infected animals. This is what is also raising the concern for mutation and the possibility of other forms of spreading. This was also a rare case as the infection did not happen due to exposure. Previously, all such cases in the US involved contact with farm animals or contaminated environment.Can bird flu come from other animals?Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The first human bird flu case in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.While 14 cases are in the US, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.
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