Fox cubs test positive for bird flu as public warned to keep dogs on lead

28 July 2023 , 23:51

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Two fox cubs have tested positive for bird flu in Northern Ireland (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

Positive cases of bird flu have been found in two fox cubs, as well as in wild birds in Portrush, Co Antrim.

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed the positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu.

It is the first time mammals have been confirmed as having bird flu in Northern Ireland. There have been positive cases of HPAI in mammals over recent months across Europe, Great Britain, and the Republic of Ireland.

The most recent findings from Portrush were detected as part of DAERA’s routine disease surveillance, and the laboratory has confirmed the strain of the disease as H5N1 in both the fox cubs and wild birds.

DAERA is encouraging the public to keep their dogs on leads and keep pets away from carcasses, particularly in coastal areas. The public is also being urged to report any findings of dead wild birds through the new online reporting form on the DAERA website.

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The Public Health Agency (PHA) has said that human infections with avian flu are rare as it is primarily a disease of birds – with the risk to the health of the general public being very low.

The PHA has released a number of guidelines in containing the spread of HPAI. The public is advised not to pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry, wild birds or wild animals and keep pets away from them, avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces, avoid untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste.

People are also advised to maintain good personal hygiene, with regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand rubs. The Food Standards Agency has also said there is a very low risk to public health from the consumption of properly cooked poultry meat or eggs provided appropriate hygiene measures are followed.

Claudia Savage