Infection with avian influenza viruses

Last Modified: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 14:57:46 GMT
Disease name	Infection with avian influenza viruses
Animal Health Law Category if applicable	E, D, A
Species affected	Avian
Description	Avian influenza (AI) viruses infect domestic poultry as well as pet, zoo, and wild birds. In domestic poultry, AI viruses are typically of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing subclinical infections, respiratory disease, or drops in egg production. However, a few AI viruses cause severe systemic infections with high mortality. This highly pathogenic (HPAI) form of the disease has historically been called fowl plague. AI viruses (both LPAI and HPAI) can occasionally affect humans, but usually after close contact with infected birds has occurred.
Status in Ireland	Present in wildlife
Date of Last known case of disease in Ireland	2018- 3 wild birds tested positive for H5N6 in 2018. Last case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry in 1983.
DAFM Division Responsible	NDCC & Border Inspection Posts
Contact	ndcc@agriculture.gov.ie
Legislation	http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2006/si/701
Link to relevant external website	http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/avian_influenza/
Notifiable in Ireland	Yes
OIE Listed	Yes
OIE Link	http://www.oie.int/en/animal-health-in-the-world/avian-influenza-portal/
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