Wild Bird Surveillance
What is being done in the surveillance programme?
The programme, being introduced for the autumn migration of water birds, will have two main elements:
- Testing of live birds that are then released
- Testing of certain species of wild birds found dead.
Species thought to be a greater risk for introducing avian influenza, in particular ducks, geese, swans, gulls and waders, will be targeted.
Sampling of live caught birds will be carried out between 1 October 2008 and 31 December 2008.
Sampling of live caught birds will be carried out between 1 October 2008 and 31 December 2008.
Why are you arranging surveillance on wild birds?
As a consequence of Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks in the Far East and the European continent, EU Member States have agreed to increase levels of surveillance for possible presence of AI in certain species of migratory waterbirds.
Does this mean that you’re worried that our wild birds / domestic poultry are at more risk now than they were before?
We believe it makes sense to do a check on certain migratory waterbirds throughout NI to act as an early warning system.
Do I need to report single dead birds?
If you find one or more gulls, waders, ducks, geese and swans (webbed feet, long legs or long neck) the DARD Helpline should be contacted at 028 905 24999. You will be asked for details of the finding and the location. If you find any other single dead birds, including garden birds, then you do not need to call the DARD Helpline.
What should I do if I find a number of birds?
If you find 10 or more dead birds of any species in the same place, the DARD Helpline should be contacted at 028 905 24999.
Other than swans, gulls, waders, ducks and geese you do not need to report dead birds unless you find 10 or more in one location.
Other than swans, gulls, waders, ducks and geese you do not need to report dead birds unless you find 10 or more in one location.
If you find Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds, will you go in and kill them all?
While there are powers under the Diseases Of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 which allow us to kill wild birds, there is no intention to use these powers at present. The control of avian influenza infection in wild bird populations is not feasible – from a logistical, environmental and biodiversity point of view. Indiscriminate culling of wild migratory bird populations would be ineffective in preventing further spread of avian influenza and their hunting would likely cause dispersion of the birds.
If not, then what are you going to do?
The aim of the surveillance programme is to give us more information about the possible presence of viruses of significance, which may be circulating in the wild bird population. We’ll be making a rapid assessment of the risk to captive birds and poultry if HPAI is found so that we can consider further surveillance of wild birds and captive birds in the area and advise local poultry keepers about preventative measures they should take.
Contact numbers
DARD Helpline 028 90 524999