Poultry flocks still at risk of bird flu
“I would re-emphasise the requirement to confine poultry and other birds, and to apply strict bio-security measures to prevent the introduction of avian influenza. Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.”
H5N8 bird flu has been found in wild birds in Wexford, Galway, and Tipperary. It is blamed for over 500 outbreaks of disease in poultry and 430 in wild birds in Europe since the end of October.
Since December 23, regulations require Irish flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in secure buildings to which wild birds or other animals do not have access, and to apply specific bio-security measures.
Mr Creed said no human H5N8 infections have been reported worldwide. Therefore risk to humans is very low.
He said, “The requirement to keep birds confined remains in place until further notice but it will be kept under review. It is likely this will be for a maximum of 12 weeks, in order to prevent any impact on the marketing status for free-range and organic reared poultry.”
Many EU member states want a derogation to extend the 12-week period without consequent mandatory labelling of all eggs as barn eggs.
