The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been detected in a second turkey flock in Co Monaghan.
As a result, there is an extension to the existing restriction zones. Movements of poultry and poultry products within and through the zones is only permitted under licence from the Department.
It says the licence conditions are in place to help mitigate the risk of further spread and poultry keepers with flocks located within the restriction zones are legally obliged to comply with zone requirements.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture highlighted how stringent biosecurity remains key to protecting poultry and captive bird flocks from disease. He added that the Department continues to advise strict adherence to the precautionary measures against bird flu recently introduced in regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
"These Regulations require all flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession or under their control in a secure building to which wild birds, or other animals do not have access and to apply particular bio-security measures.
"Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Regional Veterinary Office. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk to humans is very low.
"However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to keep their dog on a leash in areas with sick or dead wild birds. It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk associated with consumption of poultry meat, poultry meat products or eggs.
"The Department is reinforcing the need for vigilance and biosecurity and continues to closely monitor and assess the disease situation and is in regular contact with industry stakeholders," the spokesperson explained.
