Bird Flu Causes Death of Two Dolphins in UK; How Does H5N1 Virus Spread?

For the first time in British waters, two dolphins have succumbed to bird flu. The two mammals were spotted in different locations last month.

Two Dolphins Die Due to Bird Flu

As per the Daily Mail, the dolphins were spotted in Pembrokeshire and Devon last month. While bird flu has been observed among dolphins elsewhere, this is the first time it has hit dolphins along British coasts.

The government announced that there is no proof that mammals have a heightened risk following these recent dolphin deaths, as reported by Metro News. A representative for the Animal and Plant Health Agency mentioned that samples are collected as part of routine surveillance of wildlife. It was through this collection that the presence of the avian flu was detected in the two dolphins as well as one porpoise.

The creatures were spotted dead. However, it is unlikely that they had preyed on wild animals that were infected.

Avian Flu

The avian flu outbreak, which started early in 2022, is the biggest one in history. The Daily Mail notes that the virus has now affected over 200 million domestic birds all over the world. It has also impacted wild birds.

While these dolphin incidents mark the first bird flu-related death in British waters, there are 23 other mammals that have been infected by the virus as well. The Sun reports that bird flu has hit otters, harbor porpoises, foxes, and seals. As per the Daily Mail, scientists have not yet confirmed whether the virus may spread among wild mammals. Most wildlife cases of avian flu were transmitted via infected birds that were scavenging.

Among people, the virus strain has a 50% vitality rate. In the last two decades, 870 people have gotten infected, and 457 of such individuals have died from the virus.

These infections have led to fears about how the virus and its mutations may lead to a pandemic among humans.

How Does Bird Flu Spread to Humans?

The Daily Mail notes that there are many ways for avian flu to jump from birds to humans. For one, a person may get infected with the virus after getting into contact with surfaces that are contaminated and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. In several cases, it includes playing with chickens or touching areas where the chicken sleeps or sits.

Infected particles can also be transmitted respiratorily. A person who inhales the particles may get infected with the virus.

Can You Get Bird Flu by Eating Poultry?

Per Daily Mail and according to experts, meat that is properly cooked does not pose a transmission risk. Even if the bird had avian flu prior to its death, high cooking temperatures would kill the lingering virus. Even if the chicken is undercooked, the temperatures will likely reach levels that are high enough to kill the virus.

However, if a person were to eat raw chicken, it is possible for the virus to be transmitted to humans.

Check out more news and information on Bird Flu in Science Times.