Avian influenza subtype H5N8 has been detected in a wild bird in County Limerick, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The peregrine falcon was submitted to the Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory as part of the department’s wild bird AI surveillance programme.
Awaiting test results
“Further tests are being carried out to determine whether the virus is the same highly pathogenic strain that is currently present in Great Britain, the Netherlands and Germany. The results of these tests will not be available until late next week.”
The H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds.
No human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide, therefore, risk to humans is considered to be very low, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
“The Department remains in close contact with industry stakeholders and reiterates that strict bio-security measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into poultry and captive bird flocks.”
“Flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.”
