Avian influenza (influenza A H5N1): risk to human health
Risk assessments on the investigation into the risk to human health of avian influenza (influenza A H5N1) in England.
Applies to England
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A record number of cases of avian influenza virus infections or ‘bird flu’ were confirmed across England, Scotland, and Wales in wild and captive birds last winter (2021 to 2022).
As we head into winter 2022 to 2023 there have been further increases in detections recently, both in wild and captive bird flocks.
Avian influenza virus infections which cause disease in humans are very rare but can cause serious disease and deaths.
We also publish technical briefings on the investigation into the risk to human health of avian influenza (influenza A H5N1) in England.
Last updated 3 May 2023 + show all updates
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Updated 'Ability to cause (a) severe infection and (b) asymptomatic infection in humans' section of Technical risk assessment for avian influenza (human health).
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Corrected date in 'Technical risk assessment as of 30 January 2023 for avian influenza (human health): influenza A H5N1 2.3.4.4b'.
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Added 'Risk assessment as of 30 January 2023 for avian influenza (human health): influenza A H5N1 2.3.4.4b'.
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First published.