Avian Flu

Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) advice on Avian (Bird) Flu

What is Bird Flu/Avian Influenza (AI) and which birds does it affect?

Bird Flu, or avian influenza, is a disease of birds. It is a highly contagious disease affecting many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds. It may also affect people and other animals in certain circumstances. It is caused by a Type A influenza virus.

There are two types of the virus. One type (highly pathogenic avian influenza-HPAI) can cause severe disease and the other (low pathogenic avian influenza-LPAI) generally causes only mild disease or no disease at all.

Serious outbreaks of the disease have been reported in many countries; it was last confirmed in UK poultry in a flock of 8000 turkeys in Norfolk in January 1992.

Does it affect humans and if so, how?

Humans are usually infected only through close contact with live infected birds.

What are you doing to see if wild birds are carrying disease?

The EU Expert Group agreed that member states should increase sampling of migratory wildfowl along the flyways that could pose a risk for disease introduction. Sampling of wild birds and shot birds has commenced in Northern Ireland.

Is the Department ready if we do have an outbreak?

DARD has a contingency plan for dealing with Avian Influenza outbreaks and this plan is continuously reviewed.

It sets out all the steps to be taken when a suspected case of disease is notified and how the Department will control any confirmed outbreak.

Is there a ban on bird exhibitions, show and markets?

One of the measures which has been implemented by DARD as a result of the European Commission decision is a ban on bird exhibitions, shows, markets and other gatherings, except under special license.

Have we banned imports of birds and their products from areas with HPAI?

In line with EU-wide measures, we have banned imports of live birds and products which could potentially transmit the disease to other birds. This includes unprocessed feathers, as they might be contaminated with faecal material which cantransmit the disease.

What should the industry be doing?

Poultry keepers are advised to be particularly vigilant for the signs of any disease and report any concerns to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. Larger employers should develop a contingency plan to protect human health should an outbreak occur.

They should implement biosecurity measures and maintain a high standard of biosecurity. Advice is on the DARD website (opens in a new window)

What measures should we take now or in future to protect those who work with poultry?

The measures taken at present are as follows:

High standards of personal hygiene, safe systems of work and appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory and eye protection equipment are amongst the means of protecting individuals at work. Thorough washing with soap and water is an effective method of decontamination and may usefully be enhanced by the use of anti-viral hand wash / wipes following effective washing. Employees should wear a P3 respirator where there is a risk of infection through inhalation.

Workers should take additional care when handling obviously sick or diseased poultry. In the event of an outbreak added protection will be necessary. This will include restricted access, higher standards of personal protective equipment, decontamination facilities, etc. Prophylaxis with antiviral agents and immunisation will also be necessary.

Should free-range poultry be locked up?

In discussion with the industry, we are content that the risk of AI spreading to domestic poultry remains low and that currently, there is no need for the industry to house free-range birds. However all keepers of poultry should plan ahead and consider how they would manage their flock and any consequent welfare problems if they were required to isolate them from wild birds e.g. in the event of a nearby outbreak of AI. For example you might wish to consider whether to prepare material for a temporary extension to your housing. Further guidance can be found on the Defra website (opens in a new window)

Can I get AI from handling wild birds?

Avian Influenza is not known to be present in the country. Wildfowlers and those in contact with wild birds should always take appropriate hygiene precautions when handling wild birds.

I keep birds. What should I do now?

The risk remains low that we will experience HPAI in the near future. However, all keepers of birds will wish to be vigilant about the health of their birds. They should also consider the biosecurity guidance on the DARD website (opens in a new window)

or available through their local Divisional Veterinary Office. Local private veterinary practitioners should also be able to advise on appropriate measures. In addition the advice from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on the control measures to prevent infection should be followed.

How are captive birds imported into Northern Ireland?

There has been no direct commercial imports of captive birds from third countries into Northern Ireland during 2005 and hence there are no birds currently in quarantine here. Some birds have moved from GB to Northern Ireland after completing their quarantine but the period of time during quarantine is such as to mean they do not represent a disease risk. There have been 5 importations of individual pet birds (birds which come in accompanied by their owners) which were quarantined at their owner’s premises. None of these birds came from a risk area.