Two more poultry workers test positive for avian influenza
© Tim Scrivener Two more poultry workers in England have tested positive for avian influenza, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.
The two cases of bird flu have been detected at different premises in England through UKHSA’s surveillance programme of asymptomatic workers who have come into contact with birds.
See also: Avian influenza prevention zone lifted, but risk remains
This means four workers have tested positive for avian flu since the programme was launched in March.
In May, there were two positive cases in England and those workers have since tested negative.
UKHSA said there were still no signs of human-to-human transmission and the level of risk to the public remains very low.
Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “Current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating in birds around the world do not spread easily to people.
“However, we know already that the virus can spread to people following close contact with infected birds,” she said.
“And this is why, through surveillance programmes like this one, we are monitoring people who have been exposed to learn more about these risks.”
As of 10 July 2023, 144 people from eight infected premises have been tested through enhanced surveillance of poultry workers.