Avian flu confirmed in dead birds found on Rathlin Island

Birds in three locations, including Rathlin Island, have now tested positive for bird flu since the start of June 2022

Bird flu has been confirmed in a number of dead birds found on Rathlin Island, which is home to Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony.

They were discovered at the island's main harbour, Church Bay, earlier this week and removed for testing.

The RSPB says there are now suspected cases at the colony near its West Light Seabird Centre on the island.

Bird flu has also been confirmed at two other locations since the start of June.

There have been positive test results on birds found at Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, and in Bangor, County Down.

Gemma Daly, a veterinary officer with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), said there were 50 dead guillemots reported on Rathlin, which is where the positive test samples came from.

She said the positive case in Bangor was from a gannet at the beginning of June, with a goose and mallard testing positive around Lough Erne.

Remain open

There will be no further testing of birds on Rathlin now that bird flu has been confirmed there.

"Although suspected, there are currently no confirmed cases at the West Light Seabird Centre, and the site will continue to remain open and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors, " the RSPB NI said in a Facebook post.

The organisation said the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 there was not unexpected, as the disease has already been found in wild birds across the UK and Ireland.

"2021/22 has been the worst ever outbreak of HPAI in the UK and has not only affected a large number of birds but is ongoing over a long time period.

"RSPB staff and volunteers across our entire reserves network and on Rathlin Island have been following strict protocols and will continue to be vigilant for dead or sick birds, reporting these to Daera as required."

Although the avian influenza protection zone for Northern Ireland was lifted at the start of June 2022, flock owners have been advised to continue with enhanced biosecurity measures while the disease is still circulating in wild bird populations.

Significant mortalities have been reported in Great Britain.

This outbreak of HPAI H5N1 bird flu has been described as the largest in these islands, with hundreds of thousands of birds culled in commercial and backyard hobby flocks.

Daera says the public should not handle dead or sick birds.

Any dead birds should be reported to the helpline number 0300 200 7840, although the department says not all reported fatalities will be collected for surveillance.

Landowners are required to dispose of any dead birds where they are not collected.

The department says it has taken proactive measures to improve biosecurity at seabird breeding colonies, and the situation is being monitored.