AVIAN INFLUENZA has been confirmed in a wild greylag goose in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland – the second case to be discovered in a wild bird in the province in the last four months.

The wild bird was found dead in Lurgan Park and has since tested positive for the H5N6 strain of the disease. The public have been advised that the risk to public health from the virus is very low, however they should take appropriate biosecurity precautions before touching or picking up birds that are dead, or appear to be sick or dying.

The offending goose was reported to DAERA as part of its dead wild bird surveillance programme and was submitted for testing at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, where initial testing indicated the same flu strain as confirmed in the infected buzzard which was discovered in Co Antrim, in March.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Robert Huey, commented: “This is the second case of H5N6 in a wild bird in Northern Ireland this season and is not unexpected given that avian influenza continues to circulate in wild birds across Europe. It further emphasises the requirement for all bird keepers to remain vigilant and to critically review their biosecurity measures, for example, feeding and watering birds under cover to help reduce the risk of their poultry coming in contact with wild birds. It is important that flock keepers report early any suspicions of disease,” he stressed.

“While the risk of an avian influenza incursion in wild birds remains, the risk to poultry is low. However, it is essential that we take the necessary steps to protect our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.

Dr Huey continued: “I strongly encourage all bird keepers to register their flocks. This will ensure they receive the latest information from the Department and allow them to be contacted in an avian disease outbreak enabling them to protect their flock at the earliest opportunity. I would also encourage bird keepers to subscribe to the Avian Influenza text service by simply texting: ‘BIRDS’ to 67300."

The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that Avian Influenza does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers and that thoroughly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.