Many humans may already have some immunity to H5N1 bird flu, raising hopes that the virus could pose less of a threat than previously thought, new research suggests.

There were fears for the future of very rare species, such as roseate terns, when an outbreak hit their only UK breeding colony of Coquet Island, off the coast of Northumberland, but a good season in 2024 has raised hopes they can survive.

Researchers found that ducks, geese, and swans often travel shorter distances in areas with abundant food, water, and shelter, particularly in landscapes shaped by human activity.