The Department of Agriculture and Food have suggested that species such as water fowl (specifically seagull) are more likely to be carriers of the virus H5N1. They have requested that calls from members of the public about dead birds should be directed either to the Department’s local office network or to the low-call helpline number available 24 hours a day.

We would like to remind all public that it is not unusual to observe an occasional dead or sick bird in the wild, and this is not a cause for concern. However, if a number of dead birds are seen in one place the number to ring is 1890 252 283.

The birds of particular concern are:

• Dabbling ducks
• (Eurasian) Wigeon (Anas penelope)
• Gadwell (Anas strepera)
• Teal (Anas crecca)
• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
• (Northern) Pintail (Anas acuta)
• (Northern) Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
• Diving ducks
• Pochard (Aythya ferina)
• Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
• Waders
• (Northern) Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
• Gulls
• Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
• Common Gull (Larus canus)

Further information is obtainable from agriculture.gov.ie

Posted by admin on Saturday, March 4th, 2006 at 10:18 am.