Defra - Avian Influenza Latest Situation - Influenza of Avian Origin HAIRS risk assessment

27 March 2025

Influenza of Avian Origin

 In response to the detection of influenza of avian origin H5N1 in a single sheep in Yorkshire the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) group have published a new Qualitative assessment of the risk lactating livestock infected with influenza of avian origin presents to the UK human population on gov.uk.

 Topline summary:

• This assessment considers the risk lactating livestock infected with influenza of avian origin presents to the UK human population, assuming infection was a more regular occurrence in lactating livestock. It includes a consideration of the risk through consumption of raw dairy products, from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS).

• The document includes a list of evidence gaps and recommendations. To note that the Defra/UKRI research consortium, FluTrailMap, will be focussing on ovine udder receptors as a priority in the near future.

• The probability of infection with influenza of avian origin from lactating livestock is considered very low for the general population. For individuals interacting with infected lactating livestock, the probability would be considered low.

• The impact on the general UK population would be considered very low, while it would be considered low for higher risk groups (which may include immunocompromised, pregnant, young or elderly individuals).

• In terms of consumption, the probability of exposure to infectious levels of virus via pasteurised products is considered negligible, but medium from dairy products made with unpasteurised milk (high uncertainty).

Further details on the HAIRS group, their risk assessment process and other statements and assessments can be found on gov.uk.

• Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance group (HAIRS) - GOV.UK

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Reporting suspicion of avian influenza in poultry, other captive Birds or kept mammals 

• Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds and kept mammals (including pets) for any signs of disease and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns. 

• Clinical signs indicative of infection with an avian influenza virus must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence. 

• See our guidance for further information: 

• Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

• Bird flu: how to keep pets safe - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

• Avian influenza and influenza of avian origin: diagnostic testing, controls and reporting obligations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

• Influenza A (H5N1) infection in mammals: suspect case definition and diagnostic testing criteria - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [updated 24 March 2025]

Reporting Suspicion of Influenza of Avian Origin in Wild Mammals

• Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses can also infect mammals.

• Find out how we monitor spill over of avian influenza virus from wild birds to wild mammals in our Avian influenza (bird flu): infection in wild birds and wild mammals - GOV.UK  guidance.

• If members of the public find a dead wild carnivore (e.g. fox, otter, pine marten, stoat, weasel, pole cat, mink) or marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin, porpoise, whale) where the cause of death is unknown, or the animal has shown signs of respiratory or neurological disease prior to death they should report it immediately to APHA by calling:

• 03000 200 301 if you’re in England

• 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales

• your local Field Services Office if you’re in Scotland

• If you examine a wild mammal or a test a sample from a wild mammal and suspect or detect the presence of avian influenza virus or antibodies to avian influenza virus you must report it immediately to APHA using the telephone numbers above. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

• Read our Influenza A (H5N1) infection in mammals: suspect case definition and diagnostic testing criteria - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for further information.

Reporting Dead Wild Birds

• The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols as part of its wild bird surveillance programme.

• In Great Britain members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).

• APHA triages reports and does not collect all birds. They adjust the collection thresholds for dead wild birds for different species to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.

• APHA and their contractors then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand what risk posed to poultry and other captive birds is through understanding how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of wild bird, not all birds will be collected.

• APHA publish a report (updated weekly) on findings of HPAI in wild birds in Great Britain and further information on reports of avian influenza in wild bird in Great Britain and across Europe are available via APHAs outbreak assessments. We are unable to comment on any testing or reports that are not listed at this site as the results will not yet be ready for publication. 

• APHA have also launched a new interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals and an interactive data dashboard of findings of avian influenza virus in wild birds.

• Find out more on disposing of dead wild birds not required for surveillance in our Removing and disposing of dead wild birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) guidance.

• Further guidance on wild bird incidents is available through the Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales.