On Air Good Friday Breakfast Chris Williams | 6:00am - 10:00am

Second outbreak of avian influenza confirmed

Detected in flock of wild chickens at Tholt-y-Will

The Isle of Man has a second outbreak of avian influenza. 

The H5N1 strain has been detected in wild chickens at Tholt-y-Will. 

Samples were sent to the UK for testing after five feral birds were found dead on Monday.

Government says it now has confirmation that they died from the same virus strain which killed 11 geese in Sulby last week.

The remaining chickens are being culled today – the A14 road, connecting Sulby to the Mountain Road, is closed until 3pm whilst this takes place.

Dr Amy Beckett is the chief veterinary officer: 

An all-Island 'surveillance zone' remains in place and no live poultry should be moved on or off the Island without consultation and agreement. 

Anyone who suspects a case of avian flu is asked to contact the animal health team on 01624 685844 or by emailing agriculture@gov.im. 

Avian influenza is highly contagious amongst birds but not people.

More from Isle of Man News