Warning to Cork walkers after ‘highly pathogenic’ Bird Flu’ detected at The Lough
Don’t touch wild birds or their feathers.
That’s the advice to anyone planning on visiting The Lough in Cork City for a stroll, after Bird Flu’ was confirmed at the scenic spot this morning.
“Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza HPAI (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, is currently circulating in wild birds, and has been detected following tests on a number of birds which were found dead at The Lough.” Cork City Council said in a statement.
The following advice is being issued to anyone visiting the area on the city’s southside:
- Do not touch sick or dead wild birds, and do not handle bird feathers found in the area;
- Do not to bring sick wild birds home;
- Keep pets away from sick and dead wild birds – dogs should be kept on a leash where sick or dead wild birds are present.
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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 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.” they added.
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 App or by contacting the National Disease Emergency Hotline 01 492 8026 (outside office hours).
