Research and analysis

HPR volume 11 issue 2: news (13 January 2017)

Updated 15 December 2017

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-report-volume-11-2017/hpr-volume-11-issue-2-news-13-january-2017

1. Preventive measures to protect poultry against avian flu being maintained

Influenza A(H5N8) has been observed in wild birds and poultry in a wide range of countries, internationally, in recent weeks, including many in Europe. In the UK, to date, the virus strain has been detected in three different poultry flocks, as well as in several sporadic wild bird incidents [1].

Despite many avian incidents being identified internationally, there have been no recorded human cases of influenza A(H5N8) infection to date. Public Health England has assessed that the risk to public health is very low [2]. ECDC has also assessed that the risk of transmission of this virus to the general public is very low [3].

Nevertheless, to prevent further infections in poultry an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in England has been extended to 28 February 2017 by the Chief Veterinary Officer [4]. This means that poultry such as chickens must be moved into a suitable building. If this is not possible, the owner must take precautions to keep poultry away from wild birds such as putting up netting to create a temporary enclosure [5].

PHE has published guidance for Health Protection Teams on managing the human health implications of avian influenza incidents in poultry and wild birds [6].

1.1 References

  1. PHE website news story (updated 6 January). Avian influenza (bird flu) in winter 2016 to 2017
  2. PHE (November 2016). Avian influenza A(H5N8) in the UK: risk assessment
  3. ECDC (November 2016). A(H5N8) risk to humans is very low, updated rapid risk assessment
  4. Defra/APHA press release (6 January 2017). New measures to protect poultry against Avian Flu
  5. Keeping your backyard flock safe from bird flu (Defra factsheet and video, both available at reference 1 above)
  6. PHE (January 2017). Managing the human health implications of avian influenza incidents in poultry and wild birds

2. ECDC investigation into hepatitis A outbreaks mostly affecting MSM

ECDC has requested national healtcare providers to assist with a multi-country outbreak investigation following identification of cases of infection with two distinct strains of hepatitis A virus in several EU countries over the past year.

The EU agency is encouraging national communicable disease bodies to share microbiological and epidemiological details of any new cases through the EU Epidemic Intelligence Information System for Food- and Waterborne Diseases and Zoonoses (EPIS-FWD) so that the EU-wide investigation can be expedited.

Twenty four cases infected with the two distinct HAV strains (sub-genotype IA) have been reported by five EU countries since February 2016, of which eight reported having travelled to Spain within the duration of the incubation period. Most cases are reported among adult men who have sex with men (MSM), with only a few women affected.

2.1 Reference

  1. ECDC (December 2016). Hepatitis A outbreaks in the EU/EEA mostly affecting men who have sex with men.

3. Chemicals regulation after the EU referendum: select committee inquiry

The UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, which is launching an inquiry into the future of environmental law and policy following the EU referendum result, has invited submissions on how the Government should approach chemicals regulation in the UK, with a particular focus on the possible impacts on environmental protection, public safety and the UK chemicals industry [1].

The focus of the inquiry will be how to transpose the European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) – which is concerned with risks for human health and the environment associated with so-called “existing chemicals” – into UK law. However, the committee invites comments on broader questions, such as the likely practical implications – for the environment, public safety and UK industry – of having a UK-only chemicals regulatory policy; and, in the case of REACH, how administrative and enforcement responsibilities, currently being carried out by the European Commission or EU agencies should be transferred to domestic bodies.

The deadline for submissions is 1800 hours, 20 January 2017.

3.1 Reference

  1. HoC Environmental Audit Committee (21 December 2016). Inquiry: The future of chemicals regulation after the EU referendum.

4. Infection reports in this issue of HPR

The following reports are published in this issue of HPR:

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