bird flu

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GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR BIRD FLU:

Definition

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. There are two types of avian influenza virus, low pathogenicity (LPAI) and high pathogenicity (HPAI). The last outbreak of avian influenza in Great Britain was in 1991.

Clinical signs

Typically the disease presents suddenly with affected birds showing oedema of the head, cyanosis of the comb and wattles, dullness, lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and drop in egg production. Birds may often die without any signs of disease being apparent. However, there can be considerable variation in the clinical picture and severity of the disease.

Transmission

  • Direct contact with secretions from infected birds, especially faeces.
  • Contaminated feed, water, equipment and clothing.
  • Clinically normal waterfowl and sea birds may introduce the virus into     flocks.

Synopsis

As of late November a number of wild birds are arriving in Britain and may contain the virus (H5N1). As of the 28th December 2005, there have been 138 people in the Far East infected of which 71 people have died.  You will agree this is a massive fatality rate and one we don’t want to be responsible for within the UK. The effects will only be negative on both, our use of the outdoors’ and of our staff and or clients.  I have provided you with a model risk assessment that will meet the needs of Health and safety at work regulations.  I would however, recommend that you add a section within your site specific risk assessment.

DEFRA information on: 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/avianinfluenza.htm 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/monitoring/pdf/rvc_report.pdf 

Areas of contamination:                             

  • All outdoor sites that have wild birds i.e.
    • Sea cliffs
    • inland crags
    • All waterways such as ponds, rivers, lakes canals.

As you can see this encompasses most of the sites that we use as outdoor education providers. 

Control measures

  • Staff training on identification & reporting.

  • Staff training on avoidance.

  • Action on contamination

  • Prevention measures of spreading the contamination, foot baths and hygiene etc.

  • Staff, client information

Prior to activities staff should visually inspect the site for both live, dead birds and any bird faeces.  No contact with any of these animals or there faeces is to be made in any circumstance.  If the site has any dead birds and faeces on then under no circumstance should you use the site.  Use all sensible means to avoid contact will all wild live animals and there faeces. 

If contact is accidentally made then the contaminated person is to wash the infected areas in clean disinfected water (alcohol jell is highly recommended, this can be obtained from: http://dreamyfeet.co.uk/antibacterial_gel.htm ).  People who bite nails or chew the skin around fingers are particularly at risk or those with any skin disorder that break the skin.  Please remember that this is a notifiable disease under RIDDOR so report all incidents.

If you have any issues with the bird flu or this risk assessment please do not hesitate to contact me.