Faroe Islands recorded last gannet disease case last year

The Faroe Islands’ Food and Veterinary Agency has renewed its warning about gannet disease as the gannet hunting season begins, KVF reported. Seven cases have been recorded in the Faroe Islands since 1991, with the most recent reported last year.

Hunters should wear oilskin clothing and thoroughly wash it, along with other clothing worn during the hunt, afterwards. They should also wash their hands carefully during and after hunting.

The illness usually begins four to 14 days after infection. Typical symptoms include pneumonia with chills and a fever of around 39 degrees Celsius, a dry cough and a headache.

The patient may feel very unwell and often become delirious. In some cases, the illness develops gradually and may be so mild that the person barely feels ill.

Gannets that appear sick, thin or unwell should not be caught, the agency said.

The risk of infection is little or none once a gannet has been scalded, plucked or skinned. The bacterium that causes the disease is killed by heat treatment and is eliminated when the bird is boiled or roasted.

For sales, the agency recommends that gannets be scalded or plucked and gutted. They may also be skinned.