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Patients treated for Zika in Northern Ireland
Aedes mosquito
Zika virus is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
Risk to the public ‘very low’

A handful of people living in Northern Ireland have been treated for Zika virus.

According to the Public Health Agency, up to five people have been confirmed with the disease since 2015.

It is thought that all those infected had a history of travel to Zika infected areas.

Spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, Zika often occurs without symptoms but it can cause a mild, flu-like illness.

In February, the virus was declared a global public health emergency after the World Health Organisation found that it was linked to birth defects.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency said there is no specific treatment for Zika virus disease other than supportive measures, such as hydration.

“There is no change to the current Zika risk assessment, in that the risk to the public in Northern Ireland is very low,” they add. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.