'Do not touch': Caution urged as dead wild sea birds wash up at several Irish beaches

Members of the public are being urged to exercise caution if visiting beaches along the west coast of Ireland after a number of dead wild sea birds washed up along the shoreline, in recent weeks. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine there have been a number of reports of groups of dead wild sea birds washing up on shorelines in counties Kerry, Clare and Galway.

In two instances, a wild sea bird which washed up on a beach tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus, with one case in Kerry and one in Galway.

Minister Martin Heydon has reiterated the importance of taking precautions to protect public health, during the summer holidays: “I have a clear message for the public, especially for those who may encounter dead birds on beaches this summer: Do not touch or pick up dead wild birds," he said.

The minister is also reminding dog owners to keep pet dogs on a leash in areas where there are sick or dead wild birds.

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Addressing poultry farmers in counties Kerry, Clare and Galway, Mr Heydon added: “All flock owners in these coastal areas, whether they have commercial farms or a few backyard hens, should implement stringent biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading to their flocks. Strict biosecurity remains the single most important disease prevention measure. Report any suspicions of avian influenza to your local Regional Veterinary Office without delay.”

Referring to the reports received from members of the public via the Department’s Avian Check app, the minister said: “I want to thank all those who have taken the time to submit a report to my Department about sightings of dead wild birds. This is citizen science in action to protect public and animal health.” 

The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating is considered low for the general public, and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.