HEALTH experts in the UK are drawing up Covid-19 style plans against bird flu in the ‘unlikely’ event that it could mutate and cause another pandemic-style event.

There is no evidence that that the current strain of avian flu can spread between people, but people can become ill after coming into contact with infected birds.

The UK is currently seeing a large outbreak of bird flu with cases found at properties in Cumbria this year.

A 3km 'captive bird controlled zone' has been put in place around the premises near Appleby and infected birds will be 'humanely culled’ according to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

The highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza was also found at a commercial poultry premises near Langwathby last month.

The MP for Penrith and the Border Dr Neil Hudson said that the outbreak was "more upsetting news for us in Cumbria" and his thoughts were with "those in the frontline."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to be vigilant about the threat of the virus following the death of an 11-year-old girl in Cambodia from the current strain of bird flu.

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Investigators are working to establish if infected birds were the cause, rather than a case of human-to-human transmission.

Despite little evidence that avian flu can be spread from person to person, Dr Meera Chand, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that they were preparing for any situation.

"Viruses constantly evolve, and we remain vigilant for any evidence of changing risk to the population, as well as working with partners to address gaps in the scientific evidence," she said.

The UKHSA is modelling a worst-case scenario which may include how many people may become hospitalised, whether lateral flow tests can be effective in testing for bird flu and whether any genetic mutations could cause further risk to humans.

Members of the public have been urged to inform the authorities if they suspect a case of bird flu.