The H5N1 Strain of Avian Influenza and fishing :
your questions answered

Introduction

The Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling (SFCA) has produced the following guidance to help anglers fully understand any risks associated with the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza.  It is important to understand these three simple facts:

• The H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza has only been confirmed in one isolated case on the East coast of Scotland and currently does not affect any other part of the UK.

• There are no known cases anywhere in the world of transmission of the H5N1 strain between wild birds and humans.

• It is safe to continue to enjoy your angling.

The sections below are split into categories of questions to help you quickly understand the current scientific guidance available.

Frequently Asked Questions - General

1. Is it safe to go fishing?

Yes. At a time when there is a lot of confusion on this issue, it’s helpful to keep things in perspective. While strains of Avian Influenza (commonly referred to as Bird Flu) have always been present within birds in the UK, the strain that is causing concern, H5N1, has only been identified in one isolated case on the East coast of Scotland. It is not currently present anywhere else in the UK’s wild bird and domestic flocks.

The concerns centre on the possibility that the H5N1 strain could infect people at a future date and ultimately become transmissible between human beings. However, it’s very important to remember that worldwide there have only been a few cases of humans contracting the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza and these have been in circumstances where those affected have prolonged periods of time in close contact with domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys. There have been no cases worldwide of humans contracting Avian Influenza (H5N1 strain) from the wild bird population.

In the meantime common sense precautions such as washing your hands before eating a snack, along with cleaning mud and dirt from fishing tackle and your footwear once you’ve finished should suffice.

2. What is Avian Influenza?

Avian Influenza, or “bird flu”, is a contagious disease caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Whilst all bird species are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to infections that can rapidly cause epidemics in poultry. The current global outbreak involves the H5N1 strain of the disease, which has shown the trait to cross into humans and other mammals but only from commercially bred or domestic birds.

The H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza has been identified in wild birds in certain parts of the European Union and in one isolated case on the East cost of Scotland. Transmission of the disease from wild birds to humans has never been recorded. Human to human transmission of H5N1 has also never been recorded. There is a theoretical risk that the virus could eventually change to become much more readily transmissible between humans, potentially giving rise to a human influenza pandemic. The existing scientific evidence suggests that the risk of this happening is low, but cannot be discounted.

3. What should I do if I find a dead bird?

In the event that you find one or more dead birds you should call the DEFRA helpline :

DEFRA Helpline (08459 33 55 77)

You will be asked for details of the nature and location of your find.

You should not disturb the carcass.

4. Wildfowl leave a considerable amount of faeces on the areas where I fish. Should I stay away from that area?

There is no need to stay away from areas where ducks, geese and swans climb out of the water and leave a mess behind, but simple hygiene precautions should be followed.