Third outbreak of highly contagious bird flu confirmed in Irish turkey flock

""This third outbreak underlines the ongoing risk to poultry and captive birds of avian influenza," Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said. "We know the virus is circulating in wild birds across the country. "The compulsory poultry biosecurity regulations and housing order, which I have introduced, will help to mitigate the ongoing risk, but a strict and meticulous attention to biosecurity by all those who keep poultry or captive birds is the best way to protect our flocks from further outbreaks during this very challenging higher risk winter period.""

""I want to express my sympathies to the flock owners who have been affected by these outbreaks, and to thank poultry keepers nationally for their continued cooperation and strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity." The HSE has advised that the risk to public health from this strain of avian flu is very low. "Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds, and to report them to the Department of Agriculture's avian check app.""

Highly pathogenic H5N1 was detected in a commercial turkey flock near Clontibret in Monaghan and confirmed by the Department of Agriculture. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established around the affected premises. The detection follows recent confirmed outbreaks in turkey flocks in Co Carlow and Co Meath. A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds came into effect from Monday, alongside a ban on gatherings of birds from different premises. The HSE advises the public health risk is very low and urges the public not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report them. All flock owners are reminded to comply with housing and biosecurity regulations and to remain vigilant for signs of disease.

Read at Irish Independent