A second highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in a commercial turkey flock near Kells, Co Meath, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has confirmed.
Restriction zones have been established around the affected holding, comprising of a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone in line with national and EU legislation.
On Tuesday, bird flu was confirmed on a turkey farm in Carlow, with over 3,000 birds culled.
The Minister announced earlier on Wednesday that a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds will take 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 and sales.
Ongoing presence
“This second outbreak underlines the ongoing presence of avian influenza in wild birds across the country,” the Minister said.
“The introduction of the housing order will further strengthen our national protection measures to help mitigate the ongoing risk.
"I want to thank poultry keepers for their continued co-operation and strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity during this high-risk period.
"Working together and following strict biosecurity procedures is the strongest defence to reduce the risk and safeguard our poultry sector,” he said.
Public health
The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the European Centre for Disease Control advise that the risk to public health from the strain of bird flu that is circulating is very low.
Notwithstanding, members of the public are, as always, advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the Department’s AvianCheck app.
The Department said it continues to monitor developments closely, engage with industry stakeholders and take all necessary measures to mitigate the risk of avian influenza.
Read more
Housing order for poultry announced to curtail bird flu outbreaks
Bird flu confirmed in Carlow turkey flock
Over 3,000 turkeys culled due to bird flu
A second highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak has been confirmed in a commercial turkey flock near Kells, Co Meath, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has confirmed.
Restriction zones have been established around the affected holding, comprising of a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone in line with national and EU legislation.
On Tuesday, bird flu was confirmed on a turkey farm in Carlow, with over 3,000 birds culled.
The Minister announced earlier on Wednesday that a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds will take 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 and sales.
Ongoing presence
“This second outbreak underlines the ongoing presence of avian influenza in wild birds across the country,” the Minister said.
“The introduction of the housing order will further strengthen our national protection measures to help mitigate the ongoing risk.
"I want to thank poultry keepers for their continued co-operation and strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity during this high-risk period.
"Working together and following strict biosecurity procedures is the strongest defence to reduce the risk and safeguard our poultry sector,” he said.
Public health
The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the European Centre for Disease Control advise that the risk to public health from the strain of bird flu that is circulating is very low.
Notwithstanding, members of the public are, as always, advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the Department’s AvianCheck app.
The Department said it continues to monitor developments closely, engage with industry stakeholders and take all necessary measures to mitigate the risk of avian influenza.
Read more
Housing order for poultry announced to curtail bird flu outbreaks
Bird flu confirmed in Carlow turkey flock
Over 3,000 turkeys culled due to bird flu
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