Avian Influenza Questions

Avian influenza is a disease of animals caused by influenza A viruses.  Avian influenza viruses are normally only found in birds, but may affect pigs and have been known to infect sea mammals, mink, horses and other mammals.  On rare occasions some types of avian influenza viruses have infected humans.

Avian Influenza viruses can be classified according to their ability to cause severe disease (pathogenicity) as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses- (HPAI) can cause severe disease in susceptible birds and low pathogenic avian influenza viruses- (LPAI) generally cause mild disease or no disease at all. Avian influenza is one of the most important poultry diseases, and serious outbreaks of disease have been reported in many countries.

For the most current information about Avian Influenza, please go to the Avian Influenza section.

Anyone suspecting Avian Influenza must immediately inform their local Divisional Veterinary Office or their Private Veterinary Practice (PVP). For other Avian Influenza related queries please contact the DARD Helpline 028 905 24999

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.

If you find five or more dead birds of any species, other than swans, gulls, waders, ducks and geese, in the same place, the DARD Helpline should be contacted at 028 905 24999.

For more detailed information about Avian Influenza, please go to the Avian Influenza section