Strict biosecurity needed following bird flu cases in Cork City – IFA

Implementation of stringent biosecurity measures is needed on poultry farms following a case of avian influenza in Cork City, the Irish Farmers’ Association has said.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, IFA poultry chair Nigel Sweetnam said the cases were at the wildfowl sanctuary in the popular city amenity, The Lough, frequented by walkers.

Sweetnam urged farmers with relatives studying or working in the city that are returning to the farm to be particularly vigilant.

“Bird flu is arriving earlier this season and with greater intensity. Any potential gap in biosecurity is a risk to your flock and the wider sector. I would ask everybody to act now and tighten up your biosecurity, if needed,” he said.

It is understood that the cases were low pathogenic avian influenza, which causes a less serious from of the virus and does not require the same control measures as highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Europe

Nigel Sweetnam, who sits on the Copa Cogeca working party for poultry, shared the following update from Brussels:

“Avian influenza has returned with renewed force across Europe, prompting the Commission to prolong EU-wide emergency measures against highly parthenogenic avian influenza (HPAI) until September 2026 and to update protection and surveillance zones in Germany, Spain, Portugal and Bulgaria after fresh outbreaks.”

The update highlights significant culls and restriction zones on the continent and warns that migratory birds will elevate risk through the autumn, Sweetnam said.

He added that international agencies have also cautioned that spillover of the disease to mammals underscores the need for coordinated action and vigilance.

“In February, the IFA poultry committee hosted a practical biosecurity webinar and it is available to view here. Please rewatch the webinar for advice and guidance. Small improvements made now can prevent a catastrophic outbreak later,” Sweetnam said.

Members of the public are asked to follow official guidance: do not touch or approach sick or dead wild birds and report findings to the Department of Agriculture through the usual channels or your local regional veterinary office.