FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
17 February 2025
Update on avian influenza (bird flu)
Results for the week commencing 10/02/25 | |||
Swabs taken: 3 | Negative: 0 | Positive: 0 | Pending: 7 (from this and the previous 2 weeks. Testing will occur this week) |
Declarations in place | Review date | ||
FK/404/24 Yorke Bay gentoo colony – level 1 follow biosecurity guidance | review on 28th February 2025 | ||
FK/448/24 Bluff Cove Lagoon – level 1 follow biosecurity guidance | review on 28th February 2025 | ||
FK/462/24 Fox Point, Fitzroy – level 1 follow biosecurity guidance | review on 28th February 2025 | ||
FK/017/25 Whale Point – level 1 follow biosecurity guidance | review on 28th February 2025 |
Since Monday 1 July 2024, 84 suspect birds/animals have been reported, 69 sets of swabs have been taken (some are repeat sets from known suspect or confirmed areas). Nineteen sets returned positive results and 43 sets of negative results. Seven sets of swab results are pending. None of the pending sets of swabs are considered urgent. The testing reagent has arrived and testing will be carried out this week.
FIG have prepared information and guidance about bird flu and preventative measures to try and reduce the spread of the virus. This has been approved by the Governor and must be complied with when an area or place is declared as infected. This guidance can be found here: https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza
The public are reminded to NOT TOUCH dead or sick birds but report them to the Veterinary Services on 27366 or 55366 out of hours.
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ENDS