Avian Influenza
In this section you can find out more about Avian Influenza, one of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) current issues.
Background
Avian Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds.
It is caused by a Type A influenza virus. It is a notifiable disease and suspect cases must be notified to the local State Veterinary Service Divisional Veterinary Manager
There are 2 types of Avian Influenza virus, low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI).
What the BVA has done
As a result of a case of H5N1 in a domestic cat in Germany in March 2006, highlighting concerns that the virus could spread to non-avian species, the BVA released a policy brief on Avian Influenza in Cats and other Mammals 
Advice for the public
Eating poultry products, British poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat if they are thoroughly cooked. We have excellent food safety controls in place, probably the most stringent in the world since the outbreak of BSE in 1986. For more information see Food Standards Agency
Be vigilant, report bird die-offs, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant and to report die-offs involving 3 or more dead birds of the same species or 5 or more dead birds from different species in the same place. We would like to remind people not to go near the birds but to immediately phone the Defra hotline, 08459 33 55 77. If you find a single, small garden or wild bird you do not need to call Defra. Leave it alone, or follow the guidelines for disposal outlined in on the Defra website
Visiting parks, The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has prepared a risk assessment on the risk from avian influenza to visitors to public parks and open waters. The report concludes that there is no excess risk to visitors and that there should be no restrictions on park visiting.
More information
The latest updates on the current situation are available from Defra as is the final report on the H7N3 Norfolk incidents
For more advice