Manx BirdLife has reported observing several unwell-looking birds at its Point of Ayre National Reserve.
The organisation said the sightings have been reported to DEFA and noted that while a definitive diagnosis is pending, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is known to be present locally.
The charity said: “We can’t confirm whether these birds have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu, we do know that the virus has been detected in wild birds both in the UK and here on the Isle of Man in recent months.”
The virus, which spreads via droppings and saliva, has severely impacted seabird populations. While the risk to humans is very low, transmission to other animals like dogs is possible.
The public is urged not to touch sick or dead birds and to keep dogs on leads away from carcasses. DEFA advises that single dead birds need not be reported, but clusters should be.
Full guidance is available on the government’s Avian Influenza information page.