A SECOND CASE of avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in a bird in Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the H5N8 strain of the disease was found in a wigeon, a type of wild duck, in County Galway. No outbreaks have been detected in poultry in Ireland so far.
The Department has once more emphasised the requirement to confine poultry and other birds, and to apply strict bio-security measures to prevent the introduction of avian influenza.
“Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department veterinary office.”
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low.
The public is advised not to handle sick or dead birds.
Department staff will continue to collect sufficient birds for testing to help understand how the disease is distributed geographically, in different species and over time.
The Department says it is being assisted by patrols carried out by rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Last month a wigeon was found with the disease – alive but unable to fly – in County Wexford.
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