Bird flu advice issued to all poultry owners

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza virus, has been detected across the country in both wild and domestic birds.

To limit the spread of the virus, all owners of domestic fowl such as chickens, ducks and geese are now asked to show extra care around their animals.

Food and veterinary authority HFS has designated the entire Faroe Islands as a bird flu control zone.

This means that restrictions now apply on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping.

 >> SEE ALSO Bird flu now also detected in domestic birds

“Since bird flu is such a serious disease for poultry and since a certain, though fortunately very limited, risk of bird-to-human transmission exists, a decision has been made to turn the entire country into a bird flu control zone in which poultry owners are advised to use the utmost care around their birds. The general public is also asked to act with caution when travelling in nature,” the HFS writes in a press release.

Bird flu has so far not caused serious disease in humans, but the virus has been detected in many wild bird species across the country and in some domestic birds in the capital region.

Safety precautions

To limit the spread of the virus, the HFS has issued the following advice to poultry owners across the country:

- Keep a close eye on your birds to see if they develop symptoms

- Contact the HFS at hfs@hfs.fo if a bird becomes sick or dies

- Live birds must not be transferred between animal facilities

- Feed your domestic birds indoors, under a roof or be present until the bird has finished eating

- Avoid feeding wild birds

- Keep all footwear clean

- Limit any contact between domestic and wild birds

Stay away from sick or dead birds

Members of the public are also encouraged to email hfs@hfs.fo if they come across sick or dead birds, especially birds of prey and domestic birds.

Due to the risk of infection, people are advised not to touch sick or dead birds.

Common symptoms of bird flu are reduced appetite, a swollen head and breathing difficulties.

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.