Updated PHA advice after avian flu detected in wild birds

bird flu

The Public Health Agency is reminding the public not to touch dead birds. The reminder comes following a Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announcement about the presence of avian influenza in Northern Ireland.

Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said:“Human infections with avian influenza are rare. However you should observe the following advice to prevent any other risks to your health:

  • do not pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry or wild birds, and keep pets away from them;
  • avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces;
  • avoid untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste;
  • maintain good personal hygiene with regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

“Although human infections with avian influenza are rare, some viruses, such as H5N1 or H7N9, have been associated with human disease. The symptoms of avian influenza in humans vary considerably depending on the strain or subtype of the virus involved. Most infections take the form of a flu-like illness, such as fever, cough, body or muscle pain, sore throat, runny nose. Other symptoms can include conjunctivitis – red, sore and discharging eyes.”

Further information on avian influenza (bird flu) including symptoms, diagnosis, management and epidemiology is available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/avian-influenza-guidance-data-and-analysis 

See the DAERA website www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai for more information.



ENDS