People are asked not to touch sick or dead birds after a significant number were found washed up on beaches in the Isle of Man.
The Government’s vets have collected more than 20 carcases along the south and west coast since the first finding on Fenella Beach in Peel last Thursday.
The dead birds, which are mainly guillemots, have also been found at Fleshwick, Spaldrick, Niarbyl and Kirk Michael, with further reports in Port Erin and near the Calf of Man.
Last month bird flu was confirmed at some of the UK’s most important seabird colonies at Bass Rock in Scotland, the Farne Islands in northeast England, and the Norfolk coast, so samples have been sent to the UK for testing.
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘We are aware of a significant number of wild bird deaths in several locations and are carrying out surveillance.
‘We ask anyone who keeps birds to maintain good biosecurity to protect them and while the risk to human health is low it is very important that people don’t touch sick or dead birds.’
Anyone who finds two or more large waterfowl, such as swans or geese, together and recently dead, or six or more smaller birds should contact Animal Health on +44 1624 685844 or by emailing agriculture@gov.im and give as many details as possible.
The Isle of Man is home to thousands of seabirds including guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and shags.
Up to date information can be found online which will be updated with test results when received at the end of the week.
