A person in the West Midlands has contracted the human version of bird flu.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the rare case of bird flu, known as avian influenza (H5N1), was contracted by someone on a farm who had "close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds."
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Bird-to-human transmission of the virus is rare and has only occurred a small number of times in the UK.
The UKHSA has said that the risk to the public is very low and the individual is currently well. They have been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said, "The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case. We have robust systems in place to detect cases early and take necessary action, as we know that spillover infections from birds to humans may occur.
"Currently there is no evidence of onwards transmission from this case.
"People are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds and it’s important that they follow Defra advice about reporting any suspected avian influenza cases."
Cases of bird flu are increasing in poultry and wild birds in the UK. An existing Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) previously covered East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. It has now been extended to include Shropshire, York and North Yorkshire.
The rest of England is now under an additional AIPZ mandating enhanced biosecurity, but this will not include enforced housing of birds. A similar zone will also apply in Scotland.
While there have been no confirmed cases of bird flu in Wales in this outbreak season so far, an all-Wales AIPZ has been announced in response to the increasing cases in the rest of the UK.
While there's no risk to the public from eating cooked poultry or eggs, if large flocks are culled, then prices could be driven up in shops.