A case of avian flu has been confirmed in the Isle of Man.
The government is asking people not to touch any sick or dead birds after a confirmed case today (November 15).
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) tested birds from a backyard flock in Braddan.
A spokesperson said two geese and one chicken died from the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.
It is the island’s first outbreak of the virus in kept birds since December 2022.
Eggs and Poultry Safe to Eat
The government has made clear that well-cooked eggs and poultry remain safe to eat.
Dr Amy Beckett, the Isle of Man Government’s chief veterinary officer, said: “We appreciate this will be upsetting for the owner of the birds, and our team is supporting them through the necessary measures.
‘We’re strongly advising everyone who keeps birds to house them where possible and practise good biosecurity.
“The risk to human health remains low. Well-cooked eggs and poultry are still safe to eat.”
Infected Area
The Isle of Man is now classed as an infected area.
An island-wide avian influenza prevention zone is in place, so everyone who keeps birds must take extra biosecurity measures.
DEFA has also put a 1km (0.62 mile) control zone around the affected flock, in line with the approach taken during the previous outbreak in captive birds in 2022.
It means birds inside this zone must be housed or kept away from wild birds. They cannot be moved without a licence from a veterinary inspector whilst measures are in place.
All other poultry on the impacted holding will be humanely culled.
Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact the DEFA animal health team:
Telephone: 01624 685844
Email: agriculture@gov.im