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Avian flu warning for Island's poultry keepers

Wed, 07 Dec 2016

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is warning keepers of poultry on the Island to protect their birds from avian flu.

The advice comes after the disease was identified in birds - mainly water fowl - in mainland Europe, resulting in prevention zones being brought in across.

It's thought winter migration is responsible for the emergence of the disease in Europe from places in Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Keepers of poultry are advised to keep feed bins covered, not to feed wild birds alongside domestic poultry and anyone who handles wild birds should change clothing and use disinfectant.

Officials say the H5N8 virus doesn't pose a significant risk to humans, and that there is no evidence of the disease on the Isle of Man.

Further information and advice on preventing the spread of the disease can be found on the Government's website.

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