Highly pathogenic bird flu has been confirmed in a turkey flock in Co Monaghan by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.

Restriction zones have been established around the affected farm, located near Clontibret, comprising of a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone in line with national and EU legislation.

This follows two outbreaks last week in turkey flocks in Co Meath and Co Carlow.

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A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds took effect on Monday 10 November. These regulations also include a ban on gatherings of birds from different premises to protect the birds from the risk of infection, for example shows, fairs or sales.

Ongoing risk

“This third outbreak underlines the ongoing risk to poultry and captive birds of avian influenza. We know the virus is circulating in wild birds across the country,” Minister Heydon said.

“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 co-operation and strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity.”

The Department has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza that is circulating is very low. Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the Department’s Avian Check app.

Farmer advice

The Department reminds all flock owners, regardless of the flock size, to:

  • Comply fully with the housing and biosecurity regulations.

    Remain vigilant for sign of disease.

  • Report any suspicions of avian influenza to their local regional veterinary office or, if outside business hours, to contact the national disease emergency hotline on 01-492 8026.

    • It also advised that any unregistered poultry flocks, even small backyard ones, should register with the Department.