Health officials have warned people not to come into contact with sick or dead wild birds to “in order to prevent the spread of avian influenza in humans” after the viral disease was detected in black-headed gulls in Limerick, reports The Mirror.
The Mid-West Department of Public Health advises members of the public to “avoid handling or coming into contact” with any sick or dead bird, reports The Mirror.
Public Health Mid-West said it was “working with officials in the Department of Agriculture in relation to the detection of avian influenza (i.e. bird flu) in a series of Black-headed seagulls in Limerick”, reports The Mirror.
Public health medical expert Dr Kenneth Beatty said not handling birds would “reduce the risk of any possible bird flu infection in humans”.
The department has advised that if you find dead poultry or wild birds, you should inform your nearest regional veterinary office or call the Avian Influenza Helpline on 01 607 2512 or outside office hours on 01 492 8026.
They warned people to try to keep their pets away from dead birds and to “to avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces as well as untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste,” reports The Mirror.
The department also said people should “regularly wash hands with soap and warm water, and use alcohol-based hand gel” to prevent the spread of the virus, reports The Mirror.
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