The all-island bird flu surveillance zone is to be lifted soon if there are no further cases.

The government’s surveillance zone requires keepers to house their birds, practise good biosecurity and disinfect boots and equipment regularly.

If no further cases or suspected cases arise it will lift on February 20.

Following the case near Sulby on January 16, all birds on the infected premises have been culled.

The one kilometre protection zone around the area ended earlier this month and has become part of the whole island surveillance zone.

This comes after cleaning and disinfection and a three-week monitoring of the area.

Having observed other birds in the area, the government found no signs of the disease elsewhere.

Of the three bird flu cases confirmed in the island, the first time the virus has been recorded here, the two others were classed as wild birds so didn’t require a protection zone.

Currently, if someone wishes to import or move poultry they should contact the Department for Food and Agriculture.

The government said in a statement: ’There is still a significant risk of further avian influenza outbreaks in kept birds on the Isle of Man.’

There are more than 20 clinical signs indicating that a bird could be suffering with avian influenza, including lethargy, unresponsiveness and a loss of balance.

More information can be found on the DEFA website.

Anyone who suspects a case, or has in their possession a bird or carcass that they suspect has the disease, should contact the animal heath team by emailing [email protected] or calling 685844.