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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Jane Corscadden

Bird flu: What to do if you find dead or injured birds in Northern Ireland

Members of the public are advised not to pick up or touch any dead or injured wild birds due to avian flu.

Bird flu has been detected at a number of sites throughout Northern Ireland in recent weeks, including at Rathlin Island.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said birds that had bird flu have been found dead in Bangor, Lough Erne and Rathlin Island since the beginning of June, when bird flu restrictions from the previous outbreak were lifted.

Read more: Avian flu detected in five seabirds on NI's North Coast

Earlier this week, positive results for the disease were recorded in one gannet and four guillemots discovered in Portrush West Strand and Portballintrae. Seven Guillemot birds were also found dead within a mile of Bangor Harbour.

The Public Health Agency has advised that human infections with avian influenza are rare and that the risk to the general public’s health is very low.

However, the public has been warned not to pick up or touch any dead or injured wild birds as this can cause the disease to spread to other colonies of seabirds or poultry flocks.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said it was working closely with public health officials and local councils and has taken proactive measures to improve biosecurity at seabird breeding colonies.

Last year saw the largest ever outbreak of avian flu in the UK which led to a number of disease control measures being introduced in Northern Ireland.

What should you do if you find dead or injured birds?

If you find dead or injured birds on the shores of Northern Ireland, you should report them to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.

Do not pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry or wild birds, and keep pets away from them. You should also avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and avoid untreated bird feathers and other bird waste.

Members of the public should also maintain good personal hygiene with regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

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