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Avian flu has been confirmed on the Isle of Wight, the local authority confirmed this afternoon (Wednesday).
A wild swan found dead at Ryde Canoe Lake tested positive for H5N8 bird flu, meaning the flu has reached the island.
Avian influenza can be deadly to birds, but it has little direct impact on humans. Public Health England warns that the risk to public health is very low, and the Food Standards Agency has said that based on current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk to UK consumers. United.
As previously reported by Island echo, 7 dead swans have been found in the lake by canoe in the last 2 weeks, 4 in the last 2 days alone. Each reported death has been investigated by the council, but in only 1 case was the dead bird still present. That bird was safely stored and reported to DEFRA.
As a precautionary measure, the trails around Ryde Canoe Lake will now be closed. Police have implemented a cordon in the area this lunchtime.
Visitors to Ryde Canoe Lake or nearby bodies of water are asked not to attempt to feed the waterfowl at this time, as this may attract them to places where they could spread the infection, especially in areas where waterfowl could also be. domesticated birds.
A spokesperson for the Animal and Plant Health Agency told Island Echo:
“We are aware of a series of swans deaths on the Isle of Wight. The deaths are currently under investigation. “
Anyone who finds dead wild birds should report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77. The Isle of Wight City Council strongly recommends that people do not handle dead wild birds at this time, but seek advice from DEFRA land of the council, report to Isle of Wight Council on 01983 821000 or via https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/Hazardous-Waste-and -Emergencies / Tasks.
Routine precautions should be followed:
• Do not pick up or touch sick, dying, or dead poultry or wild birds
• Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird feces
• Avoid untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste.
• Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Since December 14, it has been a legal requirement for all bird farmers to keep their birds enclosed or with nets to prevent wild birds from gaining access. Poultry and captive bird breeders are advised to watch for any signs of disease in their birds and wild birds, and seek immediate advice from their veterinarian if they have any concerns. They can help prevent bird flu by maintaining good biosecurity in your facility, including:
• house or net all poultry and captive birds
• cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds; if possible, wear disposable protective clothing
• reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimize contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and • use effective vermin control
• thoroughly clean and disinfect the housing at the end of a production run
• Keep fresh disinfectant in the correct concentration at all points where people must use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird houses or enclosures.
Minimize direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including ensuring that all food and water are not accessible to wild birds.
Current information on the avian influenza situation can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-national-prevention-zone-declared.
You can find biosecurity guidance at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#biosecurity-advice.
You can find a list of Defra approved disinfectants and how to use them at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/defra-approved-disinfectant-when-and-how-to-use-it.
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