Avian influenza: Advice to public not to handle any sick or dead wild birds

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Background
More commonly known as ‘bird’ flu, avian influenza refers to a type of infection that occurs in aquatic birds and fowl and poultry. It is caused by Avian Influenza Type A viruses. There are two types of this virus:

  • Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza: This causes a mild disease and therefore is not generally detected.
  • Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: This type is associated with a high death rate and spreads rapidly.

Infection does not commonly occur in humans but sporadic cases have been reported. It is believed that the virus can mutate and that is how it is spread to humans. Most cases that occur in humans are linked to close contact with infected stock and occurs particularly when handing flock, for example during de-feathering or butchering.

At present, no human cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus subtype have been reported worldwide.
Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has already been confirmed in wild birds in a number of counties across the country in recent weeks. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been identified in poultry flocks in Italy, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Estonia, Czechia, Norway, Bulgaria, Belgium and the UK since early October.

Recent update from Ireland
Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in wild birds in a number of counties across the country in recent weeks.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that test results have identified evidence of Avian Influenza H5N1 in samples from a turkey flock in Co. Monaghan. As a consequence, restriction zones are being set up around the area where additional movement control and surveillance measures will be put in place.

It is most likely that the avian influenza has been brought to the country by migratory birds from mainland Europe.
Poultry owners are asked to look out for signs of disease in their flocks and to report any suspicions to their Regional Veterinary Office.

The advice to members of the public is not to handle sick or dead wild birds and report any sightings of such wild birds to the local Regional Veterinary Office or contact the DAFM disease hotline on 1850 200456.

Recent update from the EU
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been identified in poultry flocks in Italy, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Estonia, Czechia, Norway, Bulgaria, Belgium and the UK since early October.

Risks to humans from Avian Influenza
The European Union has introduced restrictions in relation to the importation of captive and pet birds from third countries in order to reduce the risk of avian influenza being imported into Ireland. More information is available at gov.ie.

It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk associated with consumption of poultry meat or poultry meat products. Poultry sourced outside of Ireland is also safe to eat due to EU measures described above. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advise that all poultry, irrespective of origin, can be consumed as normal, provided it is handled hygienically when raw and cooked thoroughly prior to consumption. More information on food and Avian Influenza can be accessed from the FSAI website.

The advice from DAFM is not to handle dead wild birds, however, if for some reason they have to be handled, the government have issued guidelines which can be accessed here.

More information is available here:

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