Ban on importing live poultry

A ban has been placed on the import of live poultry and hatching eggs from Holland, where avian influenza has been confirmed.

The decision by Food Minister Liam Aylward is aimed at protecting the Irish poultry and egg industry, which has a farm gate value of €150m a year.

Ireland does not import live poultry or hatching eggs from Holland, where two outbreaks of the disease have been confirmed.