Advice is being issued to members of the public as Monaghan breathes a sigh of relief following a negative test result from a farm suspected of being infected with bird flu. Avian Influenza, which can be deadly to fowl, cannot be passed to humans, however the spread of the virus to Cavan and Monaghan's many poultry farms could be devastating to families and livelihoods.
A housing order from the Department of Agriculture came into effect from Monday for poultry flocks and captive birds to protect them from avian influenza. It follows five detections of the virus (bird flu) 'in wild birds across Ireland since last December. Separate detections were made in Galway and Dublin in December, with three more cases last month in Donegal, Westmeath, and Wexford. 64,000 birds had to be culled at a commercial premises just over the border in Co. Tyrone at the weekend.
The Department of Agriculture remind members of the public not to touch sick or dead wild birds. They should also avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and should not handle bird feathers they find in the wild. Pet owners are advised to ensure dogs are on a short lead when walking in areas where any sick or dead wild birds are, or have been, present. Sick or dead wild birds can be reported to DAFM or the National Disease Emergency Hotline out of hours on 01 492 8026.
