Environment
Cases of Bird Flu Confirmed
Two cases were confirmed in birds found death at Fleshwick.
People are asked not to touch any sick or dead birds after the first confirmed case of avian influenza since August was confirmed.
Tests on two herring gulls, found dead on Fleshwick beach last week, revealed they died from the highly pathogenic H5 strain.
As the virus is currently not affecting kept or farmed birds, no restriction zones or other measures have been introduced on the Isle of Man, but DEFA has the following 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
Currently bird keepers in England, Scotland and Wales are being asked to implement strict biosecurity measures amid the UK’s largest ever bird flu outbreak.
Chief Vet, Dr Amy Beckett, said: ‘There is a very real risk to kept birds on the island this winter due to the situation in the UK, so we urge people who keep birds to do everything they can to avoid 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.
