Over 550 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported across the EU in poultry and wild birds since outbreaks of the disease first appeared in late October.
In Ireland, five cases of the H5N8 strain of avian influenza (bird flu) have been identified in wild birds in Wexford, Galway, Tipperary, Leitrim and Roscommon. These cases were preceded by cases of H5N8 in poultry and wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland.
So what exactly is the H5N8 strain of bird flu and how can Irish poultry farmers moderate the risk of their birds becoming infected? Find the answers to these questions and more below.
Q. What is the H5N8 strain of bird flu?
A. The H5N8 strain of bird flu is a highly pathogenic version of the type A influenza viruses that infect birds. The type A influenza viruses are separated into two categories based on the viruses’ ability to cause disease in poultry. These categories are low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Low pathogenic typically causes little or no clinical signs in birds, while highly pathogenic causes severe disease and can kill up to 100% of the birds it infects.
Q. Can the H5N8 strain infect humans?
A. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low. There is also no evidence that bird flu can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of properly cooked food such as poultry meat and eggs.
Q. What measures has the Irish government taken to date?
A. Following the case in Wales, Ireland introduced a specific set of regulations that require the temporary housing of all poultry and other captive birds until further notice. The regulations entitled the Avian Influenza (Precautionary Confinement of Birds) Regulations 2016 require all poultry and captive birds in the Republic of Ireland to be housed in a secure building or where this is not practicable, steps to be taken to confine them so that they are kept separate from wild birds. This is the first time this preventative measure has been taken in Ireland and its purpose is to minimise the risk of contact between poultry and wild birds.
Q. What are the signs of bird flu that poultry farmers should be looking out for?
A. Signs of infection in poultry include:
Lethargy.Loss of appetite and excessive thirst.Swelling of the head.Blue discolouration of combs, wattles, neck and throat.Respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling.Diarrhoea.Reduced/no eggs laid.Q. What biosecurity measures should farmers maintain to prevent the introduction of bird flu in poultry?
A. Biosecurity measures should include:
Wear disposable outer protective clothing when in contact with the birds or at least wear boots that can be disinfected and disposable gloves and change clothes when moving between poultry houses.Only allow essential personnel access to the bird accommodation.Provide clean boot washing and disinfection facilities at all entrances/exits and ensure that people use them.Clean and disinfect any equipment that comes into contact with the birds after use.Minimise access to the flock by wild birds.Feed and water outdoor birds inside if possible or at least undercover.Q. What should I do if I suspect bird flu in my flock?
A. If poultry farmers or other bird owners have any concerns regarding the health of their birds they should consult their veterinary practitioner immediately for advice. Alternatively, they should contact their nearest Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Regional Veterinary office (details available here) or call the Avian Influenza Hotline on 076-106 4403.
Q. What should I do if I come across dead wild birds?
A: Members of the public are asked to report incidents where multiple wild birds (for example three or more of same species and five or more of multiple species) of species other than common garden birds or pigeons, are found dead in the same location and at the same time to the DAFM Avian Influenza helpline (Tel: 076-106 4403) or to your local Regional Veterinary Office.
Q. Previous to the cases related to the current outbreak, when was the last case of bird flu identified in Ireland?
A. The last case of avian flu in Ireland was identified in 2012, when a mild form of the highly pathogenic H5 strain was detected in pheasants on a premises near Clonakilty, Co Cork.
The Department of Agriculture has more information on the current outbreak and more information for farmers on bird flu in general here.
Read more
Full coverage: bird flu
Over 550 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported across the EU in poultry and wild birds since outbreaks of the disease first appeared in late October.
In Ireland, five cases of the H5N8 strain of avian influenza (bird flu) have been identified in wild birds in Wexford, Galway, Tipperary, Leitrim and Roscommon. These cases were preceded by cases of H5N8 in poultry and wild birds in England, Wales and Scotland.
So what exactly is the H5N8 strain of bird flu and how can Irish poultry farmers moderate the risk of their birds becoming infected? Find the answers to these questions and more below.
Q. What is the H5N8 strain of bird flu?
A. The H5N8 strain of bird flu is a highly pathogenic version of the type A influenza viruses that infect birds. The type A influenza viruses are separated into two categories based on the viruses’ ability to cause disease in poultry. These categories are low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Low pathogenic typically causes little or no clinical signs in birds, while highly pathogenic causes severe disease and can kill up to 100% of the birds it infects.
Q. Can the H5N8 strain infect humans?
A. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low. There is also no evidence that bird flu can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of properly cooked food such as poultry meat and eggs.
Q. What measures has the Irish government taken to date?
A. Following the case in Wales, Ireland introduced a specific set of regulations that require the temporary housing of all poultry and other captive birds until further notice. The regulations entitled the Avian Influenza (Precautionary Confinement of Birds) Regulations 2016 require all poultry and captive birds in the Republic of Ireland to be housed in a secure building or where this is not practicable, steps to be taken to confine them so that they are kept separate from wild birds. This is the first time this preventative measure has been taken in Ireland and its purpose is to minimise the risk of contact between poultry and wild birds.
Q. What are the signs of bird flu that poultry farmers should be looking out for?
A. Signs of infection in poultry include:
Lethargy.Loss of appetite and excessive thirst.Swelling of the head.Blue discolouration of combs, wattles, neck and throat.Respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling.Diarrhoea.Reduced/no eggs laid.Q. What biosecurity measures should farmers maintain to prevent the introduction of bird flu in poultry?
A. Biosecurity measures should include:
Wear disposable outer protective clothing when in contact with the birds or at least wear boots that can be disinfected and disposable gloves and change clothes when moving between poultry houses.Only allow essential personnel access to the bird accommodation.Provide clean boot washing and disinfection facilities at all entrances/exits and ensure that people use them.Clean and disinfect any equipment that comes into contact with the birds after use.Minimise access to the flock by wild birds.Feed and water outdoor birds inside if possible or at least undercover.Q. What should I do if I suspect bird flu in my flock?
A. If poultry farmers or other bird owners have any concerns regarding the health of their birds they should consult their veterinary practitioner immediately for advice. Alternatively, they should contact their nearest Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Regional Veterinary office (details available here) or call the Avian Influenza Hotline on 076-106 4403.
Q. What should I do if I come across dead wild birds?
A: Members of the public are asked to report incidents where multiple wild birds (for example three or more of same species and five or more of multiple species) of species other than common garden birds or pigeons, are found dead in the same location and at the same time to the DAFM Avian Influenza helpline (Tel: 076-106 4403) or to your local Regional Veterinary Office.
Q. Previous to the cases related to the current outbreak, when was the last case of bird flu identified in Ireland?
A. The last case of avian flu in Ireland was identified in 2012, when a mild form of the highly pathogenic H5 strain was detected in pheasants on a premises near Clonakilty, Co Cork.
The Department of Agriculture has more information on the current outbreak and more information for farmers on bird flu in general here.
Read more
Full coverage: bird flu
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