Is There Anything More We Can Do to Stop the Spread of the Bird Flu?

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Even if there was a vaccine for bird flu, it's almost impossible to vaccinate wild birds. We can also reduce the pressures that these birds are already under. Fighting climate change again makes life easier for these birds. But in terms of actually doing anything to stop the spread of this disease, the horse is already bolted like it's already out in the wild bird population. There's not an awful lot we can really do.

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