For the Birds?

It's not just humans that are being hit by viruses. Christine Middlemass (the UK's Chief Veterinary Scientist) has reported an 'unprecedented' spread of avian 'flu in the country in 2021 (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/very-concerned-uk-chief-vet-confirms-two-more-bird-flu-outbreaks). Avian 'flu is generally brought in by migratory birds. Autumn/winter is a major bird migration season. Already this year, 50,000 captive birds (mainly chickens, turkeys and geese) have had to be culled (killed and disposed of). Forty captive bird-holding premises have also had to be closed. The crowded conditions on most chicken farms facilitate viral transmission (as is the case in humans).