THE DRAMA: Recently, a number of dead game birds have been found in the Drammen region. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has taken samples of some of these, and highly pathogenic influenza A virus has now been detected in at least one seagull in the center of Drammen, writes Drammen municipality on its website.
– Anyone who has birds, for example chickens in the garden, must follow the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s restrictions to prevent the spread of infection, writes the municipality.
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Recommend taking precautions
Restrictions were introduced some time ago in a number of municipalities in Eastern Norway, including Drammen municipality in connection with Newcastle disease.
The restrictions apply to anyone who keeps birds, whether you have pigeons, some chickens in the garden or run a commercial bird farm.
Bird flu very rarely infects humans and other animals, but as a precautionary principle, the Institute of Public Health recommends that everyone take some precautions.
- Do not touch sick or dead birds or other animals where infection is suspected.
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Wash your hands with soap and water after contact with birds, bird droppings or equipment that has been in contact with birds.
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Contact a doctor if you have had contact with birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed infection. This is particularly important if you develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever and cough), eye catarrh, vomiting, diarrhea or serious illness in the following 10 days.
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Dogs and cats should be kept away from sick and dead birds.
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Request notification
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority wants to be notified if you find certain types of dead or sick birds and other animals, and suspect bird flu.
– It is important that you state where the animals were found as precisely as possible, and where they can be collected when you report to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, writes the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on its website.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will consider whether the animals should be examined for infection, but it is important that you notify them anyway, they inform.
– If you do not hear anything from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority within a few days after you have reported a dead animal, you can assume that they will not be sampled.
If there is a need to remove dead birds, for example from your own property, this should be done by an adult.
– Use gloves when you pick up the bird, put it in a plastic bag and throw it in the residual waste. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards, writes the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on its website.
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