Bird Flu in Ireland: Hundreds of Birds Found Dead That Could Impact Seabird Colonies

(Photo : by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Common tern. An outbreak of bird flu avian influenza was detected in Ireland from dead seabirds, which could reach an alarming level as it could impact seabird colonies.

The latest report warned of the outbreak of bird flu influenza in the Republic of Ireland, as seabird colonies could become affected.

Bird flu can become deadly and spread at an alarming level, causing to affect birds' populations and economies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bird flu, also called avian influenza, is known to infect birds.

CDC explained that infected birds could infect others using saliva, feces or close contact. If not controlled, bird flu can quickly spread to poultry farms and the seabird population.

Furthermore, the report said that. The avian virus could infect ducks, chickens, pigs and seabirds.

Bird flu infections in Ireland

The latest BBC news report explained that hundreds of birds in key seabird colonies were found dead and tested positive for the bird flu virus.

According to the report, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine implemented mitigation plans to address bird flu transmission.

Meanwhile, groups raised concerns over the alarming spread of the avian virus in Ireland, especially the impact on seabird colonies.

The BirdWatch Ireland explained the spread of avian influenza found in dead seabirds and their chicks. The population of Sandwich Terns and Roseate Terns could become threatened due to the bird flu.

The group added that they recovered the carcasses of dead seabirds to avoid transmitting the contagious virus.

The BBC report said 160 adult common terns were discovered dead in County Wexford. With the impact of the virus, the report noted that it could have a devastating effect on the bird population in the area.

Experts explained that the breeding of tern species in the country is critical as conservative areas, and the bird flu could likely put them at risk.

Furthermore, the report highlighted the H5N1 bird flu strain caused a devastating impact on bird colonies in parts of Europe and Britain.

The population of Gannet in Ireland was also affected. As a result, conservation programs and management of the avian flu have been crucial to control the virus spread.

Avian virus likely to adapt to humans - WHO

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, the bird flu outbreak impacted farmers' jobs, farms, poultries and birds.

WHO added that about 67 countries reported the emergence of the contagious H5N1 virus in 2022. About 131 million domestic poultry suffered from the virus.

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Moreover, the report raised concern about the impact on humans, which the avian virus could likely infect humans.

The report highlighted the importance of continuous vigilance to address the virus for possible evolution, especially the transmission to humans.

According to WHO, Dr. Gregorio Torres noted that avian influenza is considered a heightened global concern due to its contagious impact on the bird population. Dr. Torrest is also the head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

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