This current strain of bird flu is both highly infectious and deadly. Apart from putting the birds inside, what else can be done to prevent spread? There's no real available vaccine for avian influenza in the UK. Arguably what's needed is an effective vaccine that gives good multivalent protection across a range of strains.
The UK is in the middle of its worst outbreak of bird flu. The current strain of H5N1 avian influenza has devastated wild bird populations, killing thousands and affecting threatened species such as puffins and hen harriers. Bird flu has also been wreaking havoc on poultry, and since 7 November, all captive birds in England have been kept indoors to prevent them catching the virus. How are both wild and captive bird populations coping with the current strain of avian flu? And is the UK prepared to deal with another major animal disease outbreak? Ian Sample speaks with Phoebe Weston, a biodiversity writer for the Guardian, and Paul Wigley, a professor in animal microbial ecosystems at the University of Bristol.. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod