Avian influenza strain H5N8 was confirmed in a wild peregrine falcon in Dumfries and Galloway

Wild birds test positive for avian influenza strain
 
Avian influenza strain H5N8 has been confirmed in a wild peregrine falcon in Dumfries and Galloway, and dead wild widgeons in Somerset and Leicestershire.

Government sources say the cases are not unexpected and underline the importance of remaining vigilant for signs of the disease.

The news follows a case of H5N8 in a dead wild widgeon in Carmarthenshire, Wales, which was reported by the Welsh Government on 22 December, and an outbreak at a turkey farm near Louth, Lincolnshire, confirmed on 16 December.

Commenting, chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said the latest findings show that avian flu has now been found in wild birds in widely separated parts of England, Wales and Scotland.

"This is far from unexpected and reflects our risk assessments and the measures we have taken including introducing a housing order for poultry and a ban on gatherings. We'll continue to work with ornithological groups to further strengthen surveillance and our understanding of the extent of infection in wild birds.

"The risk to kept birds cannot be eliminated by housing alone. This virus can be carried into buildings on people and things to infect birds. Good biosecurity measures are essential. We also need people to continue to report findings of dead wild birds so that we can investigate."

A prevention zone requiring poultry and captive birds to be housed or kept separate from wild birds was implemented on 6 December. A temporary ban on gatherings of certain birds has also been put in place.

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, Robert Huey, has also declared a prevention zone and suspension of poultry gatherings in light of the UK's heightened avian influenza risk.

Public Health England advises that the risk to public health is very low. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap after coming into contact with animals and sick or dead birds should not be touched. To report sightings of dead wild birds call the Defra helpline: 03459 33 55 77.

The Food Standards Agency says avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk to UK consumers; thoroughly cooked poultry/poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.