ieExplains: Bird flu — symptoms, risks, and what to do if you find a dead bird

Health officials confirm avian flu cases in wild birds as the public is urged to report sightings and avoid contact.

The Lough in Cork City: Mallard ducks have died from avian flu in recent days. Picture: Larry Cummins

What is avian flu?

Avian flu is a contagious disease that affects birds. While all species are susceptible, the disease is particularly devastating among domestic poultry, where it can reach epidemic levels and cause high mortality rates. 

The most dangerous form is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). 

A milder variant, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), causes only mild illness.

How is it spread?

The virus spreads between birds through inhaling contaminated airborne droplets or contact with infected droppings. A single gram of contaminated faeces can contain enough virus to infect a million birds. 

Other sources of infection include contaminated feed, bedding, equipment, and vehicles. People can also spread the virus through contaminated clothing, footwear, or poor hand hygiene.

According to the Department of Agriculture, there is a constant risk of avian flu entering Ireland from wild birds, especially from October onwards when migratory birds arrive and mix with resident species.

Good biosecurity is essential to prevent avian influenza in poultry and captive birds. Ireland has had no poultry outbreaks in the past three years.

How many birds have been affected at the Lough in Cork city?

Fewer than 10 mallard ducks have died from the LPAI variant at the Lough in recent days.

Is the Lough outbreak the first in Ireland this year?

No. Between January 1 and June 30, 25 wild birds tested positive for HPAI. In early summer, groups of dead seabirds were reported on shorelines in Kerry, Clare, and Galway.

People visiting The Lough amenity in Cork city have been advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds they might find there following confirmation of a number of cases of avian influenza at the wildfowl sanctuary. Picture: Larry Cummins

Can humans contract avian flu?

Yes, but it is rare. People are usually infected through close contact with live infected birds. The first human cases were identified in Hong Kong in 1997. In very rare cases, the virus can spread from person to person. 

Since 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 28 human cases.

What are the symptoms in humans?

Symptoms include flu-like fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches. Severe cases can cause shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. 

According to the WHO, some people exposed to infected animals or their environments have shown no symptoms.

What should someone do if they come across a dead bird?

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advises people not to pick up or touch sick, dead, or dying birds and to keep pets away. 

Dogs should be kept on a lead in areas where sick or dead wild birds are present.

• The public should report sick or dead wildbirds via the Avian Check Wild Bird App. 

• People with captive birds or poultry flocks who suspect an outbreak should contact their local regional veterinary office or, outside office hours, call the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 4928026 which is open 24 hours a day.