Bird flu outbreaks prompt housing orders for flocks in Ireland

By Bairbre Holmes, PA

Compulsory housing orders for all poultry and captive birds are due to come into force in Ireland on Monday.

It comes after an outbreak of avian influenza was confirmed at a commercial turkey flock in County Carlow on Tuesday and the closure of Fota Wildlife Park in Cork because of an outbreak among its animals.

Similar measures are being put in place in Northern Ireland from Thursday, after two suspected cases at commercial poultry premises in Tyrone and Fermanagh.

The orders mean bird keepers must keep their flocks housed in a way that they do not have access to other poultry or captive birds, or with wild birds.

The Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the measure is “to reduce the threat to our industry and to our poultry farmers’ livelihoods”.

He added: “Biosecurity remains the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry, or between poultry flocks.”

He said there has been “strong and ongoing cooperation” between his department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland.

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

Avian influenza can be very contagious between birds, but health authorities have advised 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.

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.

Suspected cases should be notified to local regional veterinary offices.