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In a follow-up report on the avian influenza situation on the Isle of Man, a second outbreak has been confirmed on the Island, according to the government.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) responded on Monday after five feral chickens were found dead near the side of a road in Tholt-y-Will.
The birds were collected and samples sent to the UK for analysis, it has now been confirmed that they died from the same H5N1 strain that killed 11 geese last week.
The remaining birds will be culled on Friday which will require the A14 road, connecting Sulby and the Mountain Road, to be closed between 12.30 and 3pm. A lay-by on the road will remain out of bounds while it is disinfected to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
As the feral chickens are classed as wild birds, a second ‘Protection Zone’ is not legally required so restrictions will remain the same as those declared on Sunday. An all-Island ‘Surveillance Zone’ remains in place and keepers should house their birds, practise good biosecurity and disinfect boots and equipment regularly.
At this time no live poultry should be moved or off the Island, without consultation and agreement with DEFA.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Amy Beckett, said:
‘We continue to ask poultry keepers to house their birds and urge the public not to touch any ill or dead birds.’
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Following confirmation of the initial outbreak on Sunday the department issued advice regarding the feeding of wild birds, which it has now updated following further risk assessments be carried out.
Dr Beckett, continued:
‘After careful monitoring of the situation over the last five days we continue to ask people not to feed wild waterfowl or chickens as these species are most susceptible to carrying and spreading the virus. However, if you do not keep birds on your land, the risk of feeding garden birds is considered ‘low’ and is allowed.’
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