Health Protection Surveillance Centre Said That Though This Strain Of Bird Flu Can Cause Serious Illness In Poultry And Other Birds
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a wild bird in Limerick has tested positive for bird flu. A peregrine falcon in Co Limerick was found to have contracted a case of avian influenza subtype H5N8 after being tested as part of the Department of Agriculture’s wild bird AI surveillance program. Following the diagnosis, the bird was submitted to the Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has said that though this strain of bird flu can cause serious illness in poultry and other birds, no human infections have ever been reported worldwide. Testing is being conducted to determine whether this strain of the virus is the same highly pathogenic strain which has been detected in the UK, The Netherlands and Germany. The results of this test will be available next week. Around 50,000 birds have been culled across Europe in the past two weeks in an attempt to stem the spread. “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 Department of Agriculture said.
The Department reiterates that strict bio-security measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into poultry and captive bird flocks. Tim Cullinane, president of the Irish Farmers’ Association, has said that though chicken farmers are justifiably concerned, the risk to humans from bird flu is vanishingly small. He said: “This is what happens every year during the winter period.
“There’s no risk to human health, there’s no risk to eggs, chicken or poultry meat, there’s no concern here for the consumer, it’s just a bit worrying for the flock owners themselves.” Health experts advise not touching sick or dead birds, but noted that animals or eggs containing the virus are safe to eat once thoroughly cooked.
This news was originally published at Buzz