Threat as NI eases bird flu precautions

Ireland faces a new threat to its avian influenza-free status tomorrow, when precautions against the disease are eased north of the border.

Confinement of all poultry and captive birds indoors away from wild birds or animals continues in the south, with bio-security measures, while poultry owners in the north can let their birds outside, but with extra bio-security requirements.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said the bird flu epidemic sweeping across Europe is unprecedented in terms of the number of events and countries affected.