MEMBERS OF THE public have been asked not to touch sick or dead wild birds which they might come across at the popular Lough Wildlife sanctuary in Cork city following an outbreak of avian influenza.

Cork City Council has indicated that bird flu has been detected following tests on a number of birds which were found dead at the Lough.

People who are visiting the popular amenity on Cork’s south side are urged not to touch sick or dead wild birds or to handle bird feathers found in the area.

That also should not bring sick wild birds home and are asked to keep pets away from sick and dead wild birds.

Bird flu or avian influenza is a viral disease which affects the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of wild birds and poultry.

It is highly contagious amongst birds and it is a notifiable animal disease.

It can also pose a threat to people and other animals in certain circumstances, but these types of infections are rare.

It is very unusual for people to catch bird flu.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responsibility for avian influenza testing in Ireland.

The Lough is managed by Cork City Council.

The city council and the Cork Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) are providing expert advice to the DAFM in relation to the bird flu cases in wild birds at the Lough, and they are undertaking intensive monitoring and surveillance of the birds present there.

Agreed protocols are in place to ensure the swift removal of sick or dead birds from the area.

However, the avian influenza virus can survive for several weeks in the environment because the faeces of infected birds contains a high level of virus – an area can remain infective irrespective of whether bird carcasses are removed from an area or not.

The public can and should report any sick or dead birds to the city council, or to the DAFM via the local regional veterinary office by using the Avian Check Wild Bird Apphttps://aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/, or by contacting the National Disease Emergency Hotline 01 492 8026 (outside office hours).