The greyleg goose was found dead in Lurgan Park, Co Armagh and tested positive for H5N6 Avian Influenza.

Last week, another wild greyleg goose was found dead and was confirmed to be carrying the same strain of bird flu.

This makes it the third confirmed case after a wild buzzard was found in Antrim earlier this year in March.

A second goose with the same strain is not unexpected according to the chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Robert Huey, as both geese were found dead in close proximity to each other.

“While it is not unexpected to find another case of avian flu in a wild bird in close proximity to the confirmed case of last week, and the risk to poultry remains low, it is important that flock keepers remain vigilant and it is essential that we take the necessary steps to protect our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy,” Hoey said.

Helpline

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) also encourages all bird keepers to subscribe to the avian influenza text service by simply texting BIRDS to 67300.

Members of the public are encouraged to report dead waterfowl or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840.

Read more

Suspected third bird flu case in Co Clare