Ballycastle Sinn Féin Councillor, Cara McShane, has reiterated the call for vigilance at the coast following the discovery of more dead birds on local beaches.
The plea comes after an outbreak of Avian flu was confirmed on Rathlin Island recently, and as it is revealed that more than a dozen dead birds have been washed in at Ballycastle.
Cllr Cara McShane said:
“I would urge people to be vigilant at this time. The discovery of more dead birds on the beach is alarming and while it is understood to be a low-level health risk to humans, touching dead or injured birds can spread the virus to other seabird colonies or poultry flocks.
“This is an extremely busy period on our coast, with families and young people playing at the beach, many people out swimming in the sea and dogwalkers using the beach.
“The public have been reminded again not to handle dead or sick birds, and to report cases to the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) immediately using the helpline number 0300 200 7840.
“In the meantime, I have been in contact with Council and arrangements have been made for the removal and disposal of any dead birds on Council land.”
DAERA have also advised the public to keep their pets away from any dead birds that are discovered.