131 dead birds found at Point of Ayre follwing confirmed bird flu case

More than 130 birds were found either dead or distressed at the weekend, according to a local charity.

In a post on social media, Manx BirdLife says the birds were found at the Point of Ayre - the majority of which were Greylag Geese - suspecting Bird Flu was behind the deaths.

Since, the government has confirmed a sample confirmed at least one of the birds died from Avian influenza.

More dead geese have been found near the Point of Ayre Nature Reserve - which has resulted in the closure of the site until further notice.

Before this incident, the last case of bird flu on Island was mid-October - when two herring gulls were found on Fleshwick beach - and had died from the strain.

Government says as the virus is currently not affecting kept of framed birds, no restriction zones or other mesaures will be introduced.

Over the last 12 months, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza with more than 200 confirmed cases - as a result housing measures for all poultry and captive birds will be introduced across England from next week.

Upsetting scenes today - 131 dead & distressed birds at the Point of Ayre. Great majority are Greylag Geese. Doubtless HPAV, but we await official test results.

If you find two or more large birds dead/moribund together, do not touch and check advice at https://t.co/4JD2g0q4YI. pic.twitter.com/76Y81TOcBN

— Manx BirdLife (@ManxBirdLife) October 30, 2022