Avian Flu Guidance 06 April 2006
British Waterways Frequently Asked Questions (Avian Influenza S.2 V.1) 6 April 2006
The H5N1 Strain of Avian Influenza and the waterways network: your questions answered
Introduction
British Waterways (BW) has produced the following guidance to help the public and its staff fully understand any risks associated with the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza. We have been working closely with ADAS, an expert consultancy, to develop contingency plans that will be put in place now that the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza has been discovered in the UK. BW’s guidance is based on scientificadvice and currently underpins the following 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 use, work on and enjoy the waterways network.
- The sections below are split into categories of questions to help you quickly understand the current scientific guidance available for visitors and staff of the waterways.
Frequently Asked Questions - General
1. Is it safe to visit waterways?
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 BirdFlu, have always been present within birds in the UK, the strain that is causing some
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 domesticflocks. The concerns centre on the possibility that the H5N1 strain could infect people at afuture date and ultimately become transmissible between human beings. However, it’s very important to remember that worldwide there have only been a few cases ofhumans contracting the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza and these have always been
in circumstances where those affected have spent 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.If the current circumstances change in any way British Waterways will rapidly revise this scientifically-based guidance. In the meantime common sense precautions suchas washing your hands and cleaning mud from shoes and boots is all that’s necessary.
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 besusceptible 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 othermammals 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 readilytransmissible 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 is BW doing to limit the spread of Avian Influenza?
British Waterways is working closely with ADAS and Defra to minimise any impact on the waterways network from outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza in the UK. While strains of Avian Influenza have always been present within birds in the UK, only one isolated case of the H5N1 strain has been confirmed on the East coast of Scotland and the disease currently does not affect any other part of the UK. BW has taken expert advice on the potential risks to waterways visitors and any impact to the safe operation of its waterway network that future outbreaks would have. BW’sinformation is based on scientific advice and is being constantly reviewed to ensure itreflects current circumstances. BW has well-prepared contingency plans that will ensure the organisation does all it can to prevent the virus from spreading and that people continue to enjoy thewaterways safely.
4. What have you told your staff?
With expert consultancy advice British Waterways has produced a briefing note for its staff. It contains scientifically-based guidance and advice and reflects currentcircumstances. It also gives guidance on the handling of any dead birds found by or
reported to BW. Our staff have also been provided with copies of this document, The H5N1 Strain ofAvian Influenza and the waterways network: your questions answered to help them deal with public enquiries. It too is based on scientific advice and will be rapidlyrevised and replaced if current circumstances change.
5. What has BW done to inform waterways’ visitors and customers and keepthem up to date?
With expert consultancy advice British Waterways has produced this document, The H5N1 Strain of Avian Influenza and the waterways network: your questionsanswered. It is based on scientific advice and will be rapidly revised and replaced if
current circumstances change. It is available from all BW offices, as a download from www.britishwaterways.co.ukand by calling 01923 201120. It can also be obtained from leaflet holders at various places across the 2,000-mile network. Our staff welcome comments and enquiries about this document and about the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza in general.
6. Who else are you working with on this issue?
British Waterways is working with ADAS, an expert consultancy who worked closely with BW during the Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak in 2001. ADAS is closelyworking with all relevant government departments. BW is also working closely with a wide range of waterways stakeholders to keepthem properly informed of the current situation.
7. Is Scotland still managed by Defra in this instance, and if not, whom is British
Waterways Scotland working with?
The Scottish Executive is the authority responsible for dealing with outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza in Scotland. It has its own contingency plan. This issimilar to the Defra plan for England and Wales. The Help Line number is the same
as it is for England & Wales - 08459 33 55 77.
8. What is BW’s role in monitoring wildfowl health?
We have over 800 bank-side staff who in their day-to-day duties remain vigilant to outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza in the UK’s wild bird population. Byworking closely with an expert consultancy and with Defra, British Waterways has
contingency plans in place to deal with any further outbreaks. We are also asking our many waterways visitors to remain vigilant and inform eithera member of BW’s staff or contact the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77 if they discover one or more dead birds.
9. What should I do if I find a dead bird?
In the event that you find one or more dead birds you should report the location to a member of British Waterways staff. We will ensure that appropriate action is taken.You should not disturb the carcass. If it is not possible to contact British Waterways immediately you should call the DefraHelp line on 08459 33 55 77. You will be asked for details of the nature and location of your find.Details of local BW offices can be found at www.britishwaterways.co.uk or by calling 01923 201120.
Waterways Visitors & Customers - Frequently Asked Questions
1. I walk my dog along the towpath, am I at risk?
While strains of Avian Influenza have always been present within birds in the UK, the H5N1 strain has only been confirmed in one isolated case on the East coast ofScotland and currently does not affect any other part of the UK. It’s also important to
remember that there is no evidence that any type of Avian Influenza has ever passed from birds to dogs or any known cases in the world of transmission of the H5N1strain between wild birds and humans. Responsible dog ownership includes keeping your dog on a lead when walking inpublic places such as towpaths, and we encourage all dog owners to continue to do this while out enjoying the waterways network.Of course, it’s always a good idea to give your dog’s paws a good wash after being
out and about, and common sense precautions such as washing your hands and cleaning mud from boots and shoes should be followed, just as you usually would.
2. Can I still feed the ducks?
Yes. There’s no reason to stop feeding the ducks, geese and swans that are such a popular attraction when visiting the waterways. Many wild birds rely on food given tothem by visitors to the waterways. 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 and common sense precautions such as washingyour hands properly and cleaning mud from boots and shoes is all that’s necessary. If circumstances should change in the future we will publish fresh information basedon sound scientific advice.
3. Can I still go fishing near wildfowl?
Yes, it’s perfectly okay to continue to enjoy fishing on your local canal or river. 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. Also,
there are no known cases anywhere in the world of transmission of the H5N1 strain between wild birds and humans. As always, common sense suggests that washing your hands before eating a snack while out fishing, along with cleaning mud and dirt from fishing tackle and your bootsor shoes once you’ve finished, are all good ideas.
4. I cycle along the towpath, am I at risk?
No. The H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza has only been confirmed in one isolated case on the East coast of Scotland. Also, there are no known cases anywhere in the world of transmission of the H5N1 strain between wild birds and humans. It is
perfectly safe to continue using towpaths for cycling. If circumstances should change in the future we will publish fresh information based on sound scientific advice.
5. I live on a boat, am I at risk?
No. While strains of Avian Influenza have always been present within birds in the UK, the particular strain known as H5N1 has only been confirmed in one isolated case on the East coast of Scotland and does not affect any other part of the UK.
There are no known cases anywhere in the world of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza being transmitted to humans from wild birds. It is however always sensible to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any part of the exterior of the boat or
equipment such as ropes, mooring pins and waterway structures. Many different types of virus are naturally found in mud and dirt that is found on the towpath and which you’ll always find on your footwear. Boots and shoes should be cleaned frequently. When doing this it’s a good idea to wear disposable gloves and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.Our information is based on scientific advice and is being constantly reviewed to ensure it reflects current circumstances. BW will contact you again if circumstances change in the future.
6. Wildfowl leave a considerable amount of faeces on the towpath where I visit my local waterway. Should I stay away from that area?
There is no need to stay away from towpath areas where ducks, geese and swans climb out of the water and leave a mess behind, but simple hygiene precautions should be followed. Many different types of virus are naturally found in mud and dirt that is on the towpath and which you’ll always find on your footwear. Boots and shoes should be cleaned frequently. When doing this it’s a good idea to wear disposable gloves and always to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Our information is based on scientific advice and is being constantly reviewed to ensure it reflects current circumstances. BW will contact you again if circumstances change in the future.
7. I hang bird feeders on my boat, should I take these down?
Feeding wild birds is fine. Of course, it’s sensible to wash your hands thoroughly after filling and cleaning bird feeders, or if you come into contact with bird droppings.
Summary
BW’s information is based on scientific advice and currently underpins the following three simple facts:
- The H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza has only been confirmed in one isolatedcase on the East coast of Scotland and currently does not affect any other partof the UK.
- There are no known cases anywhere in the world of transmission of the H5N1strain between wild birds and humans.
- It is safe to continue to use, work on and enjoy the waterways network.Our advice is being constantly reviewed to ensure it reflects current circumstances.
This information will be updated and reissued as appropriate.