Avian flu in wild birds

BIRDWATCH Ireland has warned that while there are no conclusive studies, the possibility that migratory wild birds may spread avian flu between countries cannot be discounted.

A number of birds migrate to Ireland from areas affected by avian flu, mainly swans, ducks and waders that come from Siberia for the winter here.

The bulk of Ireland’s wintering population of Bewick’s swan, pochard, tufted duck, bar-tailed godwit and grey plover are believed to come from Siberia as do small numbers of mallard, teal, pintail, wigeon and shoveler.