Avian influenza

Avian influenza

Avian influenza is widespread in populations of wild birds but typically kills very few birds. A highly pathogenic strain, H5N1, appeared in south east Asia in 2003 and has spread west.

It is possible that at some stage the H5N1 strain may reach Northern Ireland. EHS is being extra vigilant in checking for any diseased or dead birds on our properties such as Country Parks and National Nature Reserves. There is a comprehensive contingency plan which we will put into practice should any infected birds be found on our sites.

EHS staff have also been monitoring the birds of wetland areas more widely across Northern Ireland and are advising the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ( DARD) on migration patterns in wild birds.

The risk to humans from H5N1 is currently extremely low. There has not been a single case world wide of people being infected through contact with wild birds.

However, we would strongly advise people not to touch any dead birds that they find.

In the meantime, we have added a list of frequently asked questions ( FAQs ) compiled by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (the UK Government's advisors on nature conservation issues). Other useful bird flu information can also be found on the JNCC website and that of the DARD website .