Avian Flu, also known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, is a virus that causes disease in birds. There are lots of different strains of Avian Flu and it can be passed to humans in rare cases.
If you suspect an Avian Flu outbreak, you should act quickly and arrange a specialist Avian Flu infection control service to stop the virus from spreading.
Avian Flu, also known as Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, is a virus that causes disease in birds. There are lots of different strains of Avian Flu and it can be passed to humans in rare cases.
If you suspect an Avian Flu outbreak, you should act quickly and arrange a specialist Avian Flu infection control service to stop the virus from spreading.
The Impacts of Avian Flu Infection
Avian influenza can have significant impacts on both individuals and communities. This includes:
- High mortality rates in birds: Bird flu can cause severe illness and death in infected birds, particularly in domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys.
- Human infections and fatalities: In some cases, avian flu viruses can infect humans, leading to severe respiratory illness and, in certain instances, fatalities.
- Economic consequences: Avian flu outbreaks can result in significant economic losses for the poultry industry, including loss of birds, trade restrictions, and increased costs for disease control measures.
- Disruption of food supply: Outbreaks of avian flu may lead to food shortages, as culling infected birds and implementing other control measures can impact the production and distribution of poultry products.
- Social impact: Bird flu outbreaks can cause fear and anxiety among the general public, affecting daily life, travel, and social interactions.
If you want to find out more about avian flu, check out Avian Flu: Understanding the Virus and Its Impact
Our Avian Flu infection control service
Our fully-trained infection control team will visit your premises and carry out a specialist disinfection service to eliminate infectious pathogens and viruses.
This service will help you maintain the highest level of hygiene and protect your employees against Avian Flu and other viruses. We can visit your premises at a time that suits you to ensure minimal disruption to your business operations.
You can have confidence knowing that our experienced deep cleaners have the skills and equipment to carry out Avian Flu infection control safely, effectively and discretely.
Why you should choose Ultima for your Avian Flu infection control
At Ultima, we offer a fully-regulated Avian Flu infection control service that will eliminate infectious pathogens and reduce the risk of infection.
Our fully-trained cleaners have provided infectious control services in London and surrounding areas for more than 20 years. You can have peace of mind knowing that our team has the experience and knowledge to meet your hygiene requirements.
FAQ’s
What is Avian Flu?
Avian Flu, also known as bird flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. There are many different stains and an Avian Flu outbreak can occur at any time of the year.
Can Avian flu pass to humans?
In rare cases, Avian Flu can pass to humans through close contact with an infected bird.
This includes:
- Touching infected birds
- Touching droppings or bedding
- Killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking
What are the symptoms of the Avian Flu in humans?
Symptoms of Avian Flu include
- Fever-like symptoms e.g. a high temperature or feeling shivery
- Aching muscles
- Headache
- A cough
- Diarrhoea
- Sickness
- Chest pain
- Conjunctivitis
- Bleeding from the nose and gums
It usually takes 3 to 5 days for the first symptoms to appear, although symptoms can become apparent as little as a few hours after infection.
Why is Avian Flu infection control important?
While rare, Avian Flu can pass to humans and cause serious and life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is why employers should take precautions to protect employees and prevent the spread of infection.
Does the flu jab protect against Avian Flu?
Unfortunately, the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against Avian Flu.
How can I protect my employees from Avian Flu?
Encouraging good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water, is one of the best ways to stop avian influenza viruses from spreading. This is particularly important when handling raw poultry.
If you have a suspected Avian Flu outbreak, arrange a specialist infection control service to treat contaminated areas immediately. Anyone suspected of having Avian Flu should be asked to stay off work and seek medical attention.
What can I do immediately if I suspect an avian flu outbreak?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a regular occurance in the UK and the winter of 2022 to 2023 recorded the largest number of cases.
You should take the following steps if you suspect an avian flu outbreak:
- Report Immediately: If you suspect a bird flu outbreak in poultry or other captive birds, it is crucial to report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. Call the following numbers based on your location:
- In England: Call 03000 200 301
- In Wales: Call 03003 038 268
- In Scotland: Contact APHA Field Services
- Seek Medical Advice: If you experience symptoms of bird flu or have been in contact with infected birds, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. Use NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or call NHS 111 for guidance.
- Isolate: If you suspect you have been exposed to avian flu or are experiencing symptoms, isolate yourself from others to prevent potential spread of the virus.
How do I arrange Avian Flu infection control?
Get in touch with our deep cleaning team if you would like to arrange Avian Flu infection control or have any questions. We provide specialist disinfection services throughout the UK and our infection control team will arrange to visit your premises as soon as possible.
What other disinfection services do you offer?
As a leading professional cleaning company, we offer various disinfection services including Strep A infection control and Norovirus infection control. Our fully-trained deep cleaning team has the skills and expertise to meet your sanitation needs.
Visit our website to browse our full range of cleaning services or give us a call if you have any questions.
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