Members of the public across Monaghan are being advised on what to if they come across sick or dead wild birds in the aftermath of the outbreak of the disease in two commercial turkey flocks in the county.
The advice of the HSE is not to touch sick or dead birds and keep dogs on leashes in infected areas. Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Dr Keith Ian Quintyne, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the HSE, said that while the risk of transmission to humans is low, anyone who comes in contact with sick or dead wild birds must contact the Department of Agriculture immediately.
He also pointed out that dogs should not be allowed to wander around in contaminated areas. Dr Quintyne added that poultry meat and eggs that are prepared and cooked properly are safe to consume.
"Once that poultry meat or eggs is properly cooked there is no evidence to suggest that individuals can become infected. So, the greatest advice we can offer individual members of the public is to certainly ensure that any poultry meat or eggs that they come in contact with is properly prepared and cooked.
"That would certainly ensure that the risk is zero in terms of coming into contact with Avian Flu'
