Bird flu in the border counties is contributing to a shortage of eggs in retail markets.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a low strain of bird flu (LPAI) of the H6N1 subtype was discovered in five commercial poultry flocks in Monaghan – four of whom are table egg layers.

While the strain does not affect human health, the Department said that it can cause “a significant drop in egg production”.

There has been a recent surge in demand for essential items due to panic buying during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many shoppers complaining about the lack of eggs.

Poultry breeders have reported that buyers are looking for “anything with feathers” as poultry units urgently try to replenish their stocks if birds were culled as a result of bird flu.

Private flocks

Separately, breeders are also dealing with a surge in private citizens seeking to start their own flocks and control their own egg supply during the pandemic.

The Department said that egg packing centres have increased their efforts to try and ensure continuity of supply.

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