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BIRD FLU
You
won't have failed to notice the recent concerns expressed in the media about
Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as Bird Flu. BW has been working
hard since last October to make sure that should the H5N1 strain arrive in the
UK everyone remains safe when enjoying a visit to the waterways.
What's often not mentioned is that strains of Bird Flu have been present amongst
the UK's bird population for many years. The current concerns about the
H5N1 strain are understandable because of the small risk it poses to public
health, but it's important to remember that there have been no reported cases
across the world of humans contracting the H5N1 strain from wild birds.
The only cases involving humans have been where people have come into close and
prolonged contact with domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys.
Even so, BW is well prepared for all eventualities, based on the sound
scientific advice given by ADAS, the agricultural specialists who helped BW to
reopen the network after it was closed during the Foot & Mouth crisis five years
ago.
You
can find out more by going to
www.waterscape.com/birdflu where a link will take you to our latest current
advice.
Reprinted from the British Waterways magazine
WATERFRONT Spring/Summer 2006 Issue 12
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