Ireland is “susceptible” to human contracting cases of bird flu, an expert has warned. 

Britain has recently seen a rise in the number of H5N1 influenza cases, with one case confirmed in a human being yesterday.

The man, based in the West Midlands of England, is said to be doing well and there is no evidence of human to human transmission so far.

Andrew Preston, Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis at the University of Bath, said Irish people need to be vigilant to make sure something similar does not happen in Ireland. 

“All countries have experienced outbreaks of avian influenza - mostly spread by wild birds,” he said. 

“That’s incredibly difficult to stop; so, I’m afraid Ireland is as much susceptible to the introduction of the virus. 

“Then it’s really about limiting the exposure of humans.” 

Seagulls following a ferry looking for food. Picture by: ton koene / Alamy Stock Photo.

Despite this, Professor Preston said the risk to the wider public from bird flu is "very low" and there is currently no evidence of onward transmission.

“We’re fortunate that we’re able to detect these cases very quickly and offer pretty good support to those people,” he said. 

“So, I think today, all indications are that this person has recovered and they’ve probably received antiviral therapy and that’s certainly going to help.” 

In December, bird flu was found in horses for the first time.

Main image: A flock of chickens. Picture by: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/DPA/PA Images