Summer is when viruses spread most in wild birds. We don't know yet how much wild birds will be affected by bird flu next summer. Two populations which have been particularly badly affected are the great skewer and northern gannets. The only way that this disease is going to stop is if it becomes naturalised within the populations.
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