Bird Flu Outbreak Suspected as Dozens of Dead Birds Reported in Scotland, UK

Avian flu outbreak may be responsible for dozens of dead birds at a Highland reserve in Scotland, UK, according to emerging reports over recent days.

This potential threat came to light after wild birds have been found lifeless without clear indication in the northern British territory.

Although there was no immediate evidence of zoonotic transmission of the avian-borne disease, local authorities reportedly claimed that there is still a low risk for humans.

For over two decades, the viral disease was responsible for related cases worldwide, including in the United States and other countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Suspected Bird Flu Cases

While walking on a coastal reserve, Consultant Ornithologist Peter Stronach discovered 160 dead birds from 20 avian species at Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve and on the shores, near the village of Golspier in Sutherland County last week.

According to the BBC, Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas stated there has been a significant increase in the number of wild bird deaths in recent weeks.

Local authorities tested the bird for the disease and found that 50% of the birds were positive for the disease, according to Voas.

NatureScot, Scotland's public agency for its national nature reserves, confirmed a number of related cases have been located on the coast and surrounding areas in the same time period.

There are over 100 domestic and commercial poultry flocks affected by the apparent avian disease as of Saturday, May 14.

Other cases were reported in Scotland's Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, Dumfries, and Galloway.

The government of Scotland said the recent winter season had witnessed the largest avian flu outbreak in the UK's history, as per the BBC.

Low-Risk Threat

The chief vet added the avian flu was typically a burden during the winter months, which approximately spans from December to February each year.

However, the risk of contracting the disease is reduced for migratory birds who return to their Arctic breeding grounds.

These mating sites have relatively drier weather and higher amounts of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun, which helps kill the virus the disease, according to the UK media outlet.

Furthermore, the risk has significantly dropped from medium to low, Voas said, and even stressed there is a reason for public concern but bird keepers were encouraged to remain vigilant in case another potential outbreak occurs, as cited by The Northern Times, a UK-based newspaper

Bird Flu Origins

Also referred to as Avian influenza, the bird flu outbreak on a human was first reported in Hong Kong in 1997, with an initial six confirmed deaths and 18 confirmed cases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease is caused by avian influenza Type A viruses that spread naturally among wild aquatic birds across the world, as well as infect domestic poultry, other bird, and animal species.

In the US, an avian flu outbreak over recent months has already reached multiple states.

In an updated CDC report on May 5, the organization confirmed its first case of human avian influenza A (H5) due to the discovery of its subtype influenza neuraminidase N1.