People are asked not to touch sick or dead birds after a wild buzzard found in Bride was confirmed to have died from bird flu.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) have confirmed the case of the bird found in a garden in the north of the island.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in a number of commercial poultry units and other kept birds in England and Wales, where restrictions are in place.
Bird Flu
However, as the virus is not affecting kept or farmed birds in the Isle of Man, no restriction zones or other measures have been introduced.
DEFA has assured that to resident that the risk to people is considered very low.
DEFA has issued the following advice:
• Do not touch sick or dead birds or let dogs near them
• Keep a respectful distance from all wild birds on land or at sea
• Bird keepers should practice good biosecurity and hygiene
• All well-cooked local eggs and poultry are safe to eat
DEFA Monitoring
Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber MHK said: “While the confirmation of this case is concerning, I want to reassure the public that the risk to human health remains very low and there is currently no impact on kept or farmed birds in the Isle of Man.
“The Department continues to monitor the situation closely and urges everyone to follow the guidance — particularly avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and reporting any unusual findings.”
Anyone who finds a group of dead birds together should contact Animal Health on 685844 or by emailing agriculture@gov.im
More information on bird flu can be found on the Isle of Man Government website, gov.im/birdflu
