The Department of Agriculture has introduced new regulations requiring flock keepers to apply bio security measures for poultry and other captive birds as a measure against the spread of avian influenza.

There will also be a ban on the assembly of birds.

These measures are hoped to combat the spread of avian influenza (bird flu), in light of confirmation that the strain H5N8 was discovered in wild birds in a number of countries since early November.

No human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide and, therefore, risk to humans is considered to be very low

The Department says that confirmation of these findings poses a risk to poultry flocks and the entire poultry industry.

This particular strain of bird flu has been responsible for a number of outbreaks across EU member states and the UK this year.

“The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide and, therefore, risk to humans is considered to be very low,” The Department said.

“However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the regional veterinary office or contact the DAFM disease hotline on 1850 200456.”