Over the past number of months, the situation is being monitored closely and any suspected cases sent for testing. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has also been liaising with counterparts in the UK, and has been briefed on outbreaks there and measures being implemented.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responsibly for avian influenza (AI) testing in Ireland. NPWS is one of a number of key players involved in any response to an outbreak of AI in seabirds in Ireland. NPWS is already providing expert advice to DAFM in relation to AI and cases in wild birds.
For visitors to seabird colonies over the coming weeks, NPWS has urged members of the public to keep their distance to avoid disturbing breeding seabirds and, in particular, to avoid coming into close contact with any dead/injured seabird.
Suspected AI cases should be notified to the DAFM via the Avian Check App or alternatively through the Avian Influenza Helpline Number (076) 1064403 or 1850 2000456 (outside of normal office hours).