The thoughts of many within the industry are with the Co Monaghan poultry farmer who is at the centre of a bird flu outbreak this afternoon. Thousands of turkeys are set to be culled at the site north of Clones following the introduction of a 3km restriction zone yesterday.
Former IFA National Poultry Chairman, Andy Boylan, said farmers' worst nightmare has been realised in this region due to the outbreak. He highlighted that, while there was very low risk to human health, there is a high mortality rate for birds who become infected by this latest avian flu strain.
He added that 80% of Ireland's poultry is produced in Cavan Monaghan. "2022 has been a year we would all love to forget. Energy and feed costs has left the poultry industry in a very tough place.
"But we will survive; we are always resilient here in Co Monaghan and the poultry industry has survived challenges in the past. We will hopefully survive this one. The bio-security measures are the only avenue we have here to save us from this," Mr Boylan said.
