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| 2018 H5N6 Reports - Northern Ireland |
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Last Friday, in DAERA: H5N6 Confirmed In Wild Bird In Northern Ireland, we learned of the recovery of a dead greylag goose from Lurgan Park in County Armagh, N.I. that has tested positive for HPAI H5N6.
This location holds some significant because earlier this month, Lurgan Park was also the site of a large agricultural show (see Crowds flock to Lurgan park as farming show celebrates 106th year), which included many animal exhibits, including poultry.All of which makes yesterday's announcement by DAERA of a second infected greylag goose found in that park worth noting. According to a report in Farming Life, DAERA representatives met with local poultry industry representatives after the first case was announced last week.
The OIE Report on the first bird, reported last week, gives a date of the start of the outbreak as June 14th, but it isn't entirely clear when the bird was recovered, or likely died.
While we've seen no sign of sick or infected poultry linked to this agricultural show, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland is urging all bird keepers to be vigilant, and to review their biosecurity.This is only the third wild bird with HPAI H5N6 detected in Northern Ireland this year (see chart at top of blog), but it is a reminder that the virus continues to circulate in the wild, even well into summer.
Chief Vet stresses importance of biosecurity and vigilance against avian flu
Date published: 19 June 2018
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) today confirmed that a second wild greylag goose, found in Lurgan Park, County Armagh, has tested positive for H5N6 Avian Influenza. The second goose, like the first, was reported to DAERA as part of its dead wild bird surveillance programme, and was submitted for testing at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), where initial testing has indicated avian influenza, sub-type H5N6.
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Robert Huey, said: “This latest case in a wild bird further emphasises the requirement for all bird keepers to remain vigilant and to critically review their biosecurity measures, for example, feeding and watering birds under cover to help reduce the risk of their poultry coming in contact with wild birds. It is important that flock keepers report early any suspicions of disease.
“While it is not unexpected to find another case of avian flu in a wild bird in close proximity to the confirmed case of last week, and the risk to poultry remains low, it is important that flock keepers remain vigilant and it is essential that we take the necessary steps to protect our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.
“I continue to encourage strongly all bird keepers to register their flocks. This will ensure they receive the latest information from the Department and also allow them to be contacted in an avian disease outbreak enabling them to protect their flock at the earliest opportunity. I would also encourage bird keepers to subscribe to the Avian Influenza text service by simply texting: ‘BIRDS’ to 67300”.
Bird keepers visiting waterfowl sites such as lakes and ponds should also take measures to prevent disease spread to back yard flocks through contamination of footwear with wild bird faeces.
Advice from the Public Health Agency is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low, however, the general public is advised to take appropriate biosecurity precautions before touching or picking up birds that are dead, or appear to be sick or dying. Further advice can be found on the DAERA website.
The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that Avian Influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. Thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Members of the public are encouraged to report dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840, Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm.
