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What is avian flu?

In recent weeks, a number of cases of avian influenza, or ‘bird flu’ as it’s commonly known, have been confirmed across England, Scotland, and Wales. Bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and there are many different types. Some strains...

Raising awareness about AMR: toolkits for healthcare professionals

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands action and education by professionals and the public alike. This blog collates resources and materials for raising awareness that have been developed by UKHSA, Health Education England and partners. Treat Antibiotics Responsibly,...

The National Collection of Type Cultures – a window to the past

The NCTC team in 1962 During World War I, British soldier Private Ernest Cable arrived unwell at a hospital in France. A sample of Shigella flexneri – the bacteria that causes dysentery – was taken from Private Cable, and this sample was the first and founding culture...

Understanding the health effects of climate change

Last week world leaders arrived in Scotland for twelve days of talks on how to tackle the huge global impacts of climate change. For UKHSA, our changing climate is one of the most challenging health security threats we face and understanding and mitigating its impact...

Transparency and data – UKHSA’s vaccines report

Vaccines work. They have played a critical role in breaking the link between infection and severe outcomes, and we should express our gratitude to the scientists who developed life-saving vaccines against COVID-19 and to those who work tirelessly every day to roll out...