A poultry flock in Scotstown in County Monaghan is being restricted pending further test results following a suspected case of bird flu.
The Department of Agriculture confirmed that initial tests on samples taken from the flock returned negative for avian influenza virus.
Further tests are now underway as the flock will remain restricted until all test results are confirmed.
Northern Sound FM understands the 45,000 plus laying hens will not be culled due to the negative results. A national housing order and ban on gatherings of birds came into effect on Monday, February 17, in order to protect birds from the threat of avian influenza. This followed the introduction of poultry biosecurity regulations in early December.
Bird flu poses a low risk to humans, and foods such as chicken and eggs are still safe to eat. Members of the public who come across a dead or obviously sick bird are asked not to touch or handle it but report the incident via the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026.
