Bird flu detected at the Lough

Tests on several birds found dead at The Lough have confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

People are being warned to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds at the amenity and to keep pets away from them.

Dogs should also be kept on a lead.

While it can affect people in rare cases, experts have said it is very unusual for humans to catch bird flu. The risk to the public is low.

As a precaution, Cork City Council has introduced a temporary ban on fishing at The Lough.

The public bird feeder has also been taken out of use.

Bird flu is a viral disease that spreads quickly between wild birds and poultry. It affects their breathing, digestion and nervous systems. It is a notifiable disease, which means every case must be reported.

Visitors are advised not to touch sick or dead birds, not to handle feathers and not to bring wild birds home.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responsible for testing in Ireland and is working with Cork City Council and the Cork Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The groups are monitoring the sanctuary closely and removing any sick or dead birds in line with agreed safety protocols.

The council has warned that the virus can survive for weeks in the environment because the droppings of infected birds carry a high level of the disease. This means an area can remain infective even after bird carcasses have been cleared.

Members of the public should report sightings of sick or dead wild birds either to Cork City Council, the local regional veterinary office, through the Avian Check Wild Bird App, or by contacting the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01-492 8026 outside office hours.

Cork City Council said the temporary measures are necessary to protect wildlife, pets and the public, and has thanked people for their cooperation.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.