Northern Ireland

More birds test positive for avian flu

Several wild birds in Co Antrim have tested positive for avian influenza
Several wild birds in Co Antrim have tested positive for avian influenza Several wild birds in Co Antrim have tested positive for avian influenza

SEVERAL wild birds in Co Antrim have tested positive for avian influenza, days after the disease was found in dead birds on Rathlin island.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said the virus was detected in a gannet and four guillemots at Portrush West Strand and Portballintrae.

Avian flu has also been found in birds on Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh, and in Bangor, Co Down, since the start of June.

The disease was found on Rathlin - home to Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony - last week.

RSPB Northern Ireland said the results were "not unexpected as the disease has already been found in wild birds across the UK".

"There are currently no confirmed cases at the West Light Seabird Centre, and the site will continue to remain open, and staff will remain vigilant. We look forward to welcoming you to Rathlin Island soon," the charity said in a Facebook post.

The Public Health Agency said the risk to the public's health is very low.

However, Daera warned the public not to pick up or touch any dead or injured wild birds, and keep pets away from them, because this can cause the disease to spread to other colonies of seabirds or poultry flocks.

If anyone finds a dead wild bird they are asked to report it to the Daera helpline 0300 200 7840.

However, not all birds will be collected. If a bird is not collected, it is the landowner's responsibility to safely dispose of the carcass.

Daera said it will work closely with agencies including the Public Health Agency and local councils to curb the spread of the disease.