Second avian influenza outbreak confirmed on Island

Fri, 21 Jan 2022

A second outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed in the Isle of Man.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) responded on Monday after five feral chickens were found dead near the side of a road in Tholt-y-Will.

The birds were collected and samples sent to the UK for analysis, it has now been confirmed that they died from the same H5N1 strain that killed 11 geese last week

As the feral chickens are classed as wild birds, a second ‘Protection Zone’ is not legally required so restrictions will remain the same as those declared on Sunday. An all-Island ‘Surveillance Zone’ remains in place and keepers should house their birds, practise good biosecurity and disinfect boots and equipment regularly.

At this time no live poultry should be moved or off the Island, without consultation and agreement with DEFA.