Minister ‘concerned’ by bird flu outbreak at The Lough

A Cork minister has expressed concern at the confirmed outbreak this week of low-pathogenic avian influenza at The Lough in Cork city.

It comes as signs have been erected around The Lough temporarily prohibiting fishing, and urging members of the public to keep their dogs on a leash.

Confirmation of the outbreak of bird flu came on Tuesday after tests by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed the presence of the low-pathogenic strain of avian influenza LPAI (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, in a number of dead mallards at the popular amenity and wildfowl sanctuary.

The confirmation resulted in a downgrading of an earlier alert which had initially identified the strain as highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI.

In its highly pathogenic form, bird flu is extremely contagious among birds, affecting the respiratory, digestive, and/or nervous systems of many species of wild birds and poultry.

It can also, in rare circumstances, pose a threat to people and animals.

However, the LPAI strain is considered a much less serious form of avian influenza than HPAI.

While low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses do not pose a risk to human health, the public is still advised not to touch or pick up dead wild birds, and to keep dogs on a leash in areas where sick or dead wild birds may be present.

Christopher O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West and minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said the outbreak at the southside amenity was “concerning”.

“I have seen first-hand the devastation that bird flu has caused in some of our seabird populations, such as at the Skelligs,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“I urge members of the public to report any sick or dead birds to Cork City Council, or directly to the Department of Agriculture via the Avian Check Wild Bird App, or the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 4928026 outside of office hours.

“Please be sure to follow the guidance from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; avoid all contact with sick or dead wild birds; do not handle bird feathers; and remember to keep pets away from affected areas and to keep dogs on a leash.

“Your co-operation is vital in helping us contain this outbreak and protect our precious wildlife,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Between January 1 and the end of June, some 25 wild birds tested positive for HPAI in Ireland.

In early summer, groups of dead seabirds were reported along shorelines in Kerry, Clare, and Galway.

Earlier this week, Cork City Council advised people to exercise caution when visiting The Lough.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses do not pose a risk to human health, the public are still advised not to touch or pick up dead wild birds, and to keep pet dogs on a leash in areas where sick or dead wild birds may be present.”