I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 to 355, inclusive, together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is not the lead organisation in relation to matters raised. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responsibly for avian influenza testing in Ireland and the NPWS will always contact them when it becomes aware of such issues. The situation is being monitored intensively and any suspected cases reported to DAFM for testing.
In line with our own protocols NPWS staff do not handle dead or sick wild birds , nor do they handle apparently healthy ‘most at risk bird species (that is water birds, raptors and corvids)’ .
In certain circumstances, however, NPWS volunteers for Avian Influenza collection teams may handle suspect dead/sick birds or water birds/raptors/corvids, but only under specific conditions as set out in the protocol including training, vaccination and PPE Equipment. In terms of Occupational Health and Safety the NPWS are following all formal recommendations and risk management controls including the use of PPE and training as issued by the DAFM and will continue to update its operating procedures in line with these recommendations.
DAFM also carries out year round avian influenza surveillance sampling. In areas where Avian Influenza has already been confirmed, it may not be necessary to collect further birds for sampling. The avian influenza virus is very contagious amongst birds and can survive for several weeks in the environment. The faeces of infected birds contains a high level of virus and so the area can remain infective irrespective of whether bird carcasses are removed from an area or not. If is deemed appropriate for public amenity reasons to remove dead birds or to display signage, etc., e.g., on beaches or areas with frequent human footfall, it is a matter for the Local Authority.
Question No. 354 answered with Question No. 353.
Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 353.