The Latest Breaking News from Bird Flu

Experts warn of ‘step-change’ in avian flu spread as number of cases in mammals continues to grow globally

'We cannot assume' the risk will remain low, 'we must prepare'

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged world leaders to be vigilant and monitor bird flu cases in mammals after the disease was found to have spread to otters

The recent spread to mammals of H5N1 influenza - commonly known as bird flu - needs to be monitored, but the risk to humans remains low, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday. H5N1 has spread among poultry and wild birds for 25 years, Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters…

Since H5N1 was identified in 1996, only rarely have human cases occurred, and there hasn't been sustained transmission among humans, the WHO's director said. But "we cannot assume that will remain the case."

Bird flu is a mass killer, and mink farms are perfect for infection and transmission. They are a grave threat and must be banned, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot

Members of the public are being urged not to touch any dead or sick birds they see in Queen's Park in Heywood

Historic Environment Scotland have put signs up at St Margaret’s Loch in Holyrood Park as they link the bird deaths to avian flu.

The boating lake has been closed off