BIRD FLU: Tipperary public alerted after disease found in dead birds on Lough Derg

Local residents and anyone with poultry around Lough Derg have been urged to be vigilant after dead birds with Avian Flu were found in the lake near Dromineer.

The Department of Agriculture has issued a statement saying that a notification was received in early March on the Department’s Avian Check App in relation to sick and dead black headed gulls on the shores of Lough Derg close to Dromineer.

The Department’s Regional Veterinary Office followed up this notification and Avian Influenza of the H5N1 subtype has been confirmed in these wild birds.

In the past 12 months there have been more than 90 wild birds with H5N1 HPAI detected nationally.

The Department has an early warning system is in place with Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Association of Regional Game Councils with regard to surveillance for signs of disease Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds.

Members of the public can contribute to HPAI surveillance by notifying the Department of the location of sick or dead wild birds using the Avian Check App.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk to humans is very low.

However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to keep their dog on a leash in areas with sick or dead wild birds.

It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk associated with consumption of poultry meat, poultry meat products or eggs.
Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Regional Veterinary Office.

The Department reinforces the need for vigilance and biosecurity and continues to closely monitor and assess the disease situation and is in regular contact with industry stakeholders.