Bird flu outbreak confirmed in turkey flock in Carlow

By Bairbre Holmes, PA

An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial turkey flock in Co Carlow.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place in the area.

The Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, said: “Strict biosecurity is the best defence we have against the threat of avian influenza.

“Thankfully, the disease poses no food safety risk to consumers of well-cooked poultry products, including eggs.”

The virus, which causes the disease, is known as HPAI H5N1 and has been in circulation among wild birds over the past year.

On Tuesday, Fota Wildlife Park in Cork confirmed it will remain closed to the public until at least the end of November after an outbreak among its animals.

Avian influenza can be very contagious between birds, but health authorities have advised that the risk to public health from the strain of Avian Influenza currently circulating is very low.

But they have warned members of the public not to handle dead or sick birds and, instead, to report them via the Department’s avian check app.

Compulsory biosecurity measures have been in effect since Saturday and require keepers of all captive birds to implement the specific procedures, regardless of the size of their flock.

Additional enhanced biosecurity measures must be implemented in flocks of 350 birds or more.

All bird owners are being warned to be vigilant for signs of disease in their flocks, which vary between species but can include: swollen head; discolouration of neck and throat; loss of appetite; respiratory distress; diarrhoea; and fewer eggs laid.

If flu is suspected, owners should notify the nearest Regional Veterinary Office or ring the Avian Influenza Helpline on 01 607 2512.

The department said it is closely assessing and monitoring the situation.