Bird Flu Closes Nature Reserve

The Point of Ayre Nature Reserve, which is run by Manx Birdlife, has been closed to the public until further notice.

This comes after avian flu caused the deaths of scores of birds in the north of the island.

DEFA responded to a report last week after a number of Greylag geese were found dead near the Point of Ayre, with a sample has now confirming at least one of the birds died from the highly pathogenic H5 strain.

The gov said: ‘Scores of dead geese have been found in the area since the initial finding on Sunday 23 October and the Point of Ayre Nature Reserve, which is run by Manx Birdlife, has been closed to the public until further notice.’

As the virus is currently not affecting kept or farmed birds, no restriction zones or other measures will be introduced, but people are asked to follow this advice:

Do NOT touch sick or dead birds or let dogs near them

Well-cooked local eggs and poultry are safe to eat

Keep a respectful distance from all wild birds, on land or at sea

Bird keepers should practice good biosecurity

The risk to people is considered low

Over the last 12 months, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with more than 200 confirmed cases and housing measures for all poultry and captive birds will be introduced across England from November 7

The Isle of Man’s Chief Vet, Dr Amy Beckett, said: ‘There is a very real risk that we could see more cases, so we urge people, who keep birds, to do everything they can to prevent them coming into contact with wild birds.’

Anyone who finds a group of dead birds together should contact Animal Health on 685844 or by emailing agriculture@gov.im.