Infected birds were humanely culled in the latest outbreak (Image: Getty)
A human case of has been confirmed in the UK following a large number of outbreaks.
The UK Health Security Agency said the person was in the West Midlands and been infected on a farm after prolonged contact with a large number of birds.
Experts said the person has been admitted to a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) unit and had symptoms but was “currently well”.
It is the seventh case reported since 2021 and the second in which an individual has exhibited symptoms.
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.
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“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.”
Symptoms of bird flu in humans usually develop three to five days after infection. They include a very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery, aching muscles, headache and a cough or shortness of breath.
Some people develop more severe complications within days, such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, this can be prevented by quick treatment with antiviral medicine.
The case was identified through routine monitoring after an outbreak of avian influenza in a flock of birds.
Prof Hopkins added: “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.”
Concerns have been growing about the potential for a bird flu pandemic caused by the H5N1 strain. Bird-to-human transmission is rare but mutations could make it more easily transmissible.
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UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said England was seeing a “growing number of avian flu cases in birds on both commercial farms and in backyard flocks across the country”.
She added: “While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises.
“We took swift action to limit the spread of the disease at the site in question, all infected birds are being humanely culled, and cleansing and disinfection of the premises will be undertaken all to strict biosecure standards. This is a reminder that stringent biosecurity is essential when keeping animals.
“Implementing scrupulous biosecurity measures will help protect the health and welfare of your birds from the threat of avian influenza and other diseases.”