Bird flu infects animals including foxes and otters

The UK is still “a long way” from being in a situation where bird flu could infect humans and spread in a similar way to Covid-19, an expert from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) has said.

Professor Ian Brown, scientific services director, was speaking after the news that otters and foxes have been found in the UK with avian flu, writes Jane Kirby, PA Health and Science Editor.

Last September two foxes were found infected with bird flu in Cornwall.

New figures released by the Government earlier this week show that nine mammals in total have been discovered with bird flu since December 2021.