Environment / Avian flu found in Fair Isle
AVIAN flu has been confirmed in Fair Isle following checks on dead bonxies found on the remote island.
People in Fair Isle are asked to wash their hands and footwear before entering domestic poultry areas, and prevent mixing of domestic and wild birds.
Shetland Islands Council’s environmental health team said it is not the strain which affects humans.
There are no indication of avian bird elsewhere in Shetland, the council added.
Environmental health team leader David Robertson said: “We can confirm that a number of dead great skuas found on Fair Isle were sent for analysis, and have tested positive for avian influenza, but this is not a strain which affects humans.
“Poultry owners in Fair Isle have been advised to observe simple biosecurity measures, such as washing hands and footwear before and after contact with their birds, and to minimise contact between wild and domestic fowl.
“There is currently no indication that this virus is present anywhere else in Shetland.
Anyone finding a dead wild bird is advised not to touch it and, if multiple deaths are evident, to contact the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.”
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