Why Ireland has escaped the impact of bird flu — for now

Countries around the globe have implemented massive culls to contain the spread of avian influenza but Ireland has managed to contain the spread

Despite initial fears around supply as consumers looked to other countries struggling to contain the disease, families across Ireland were able to enjoy an Irish turkey this Christmas. File Picture: RollingNews.ie

Poultry housing orders are likely to be routine into the future as the quest for a vaccine to protect birds against avian influenza continues across Europe.

In recent weeks, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue announced the removal of the remaining highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) surveillance zone, which was located in Co Monaghan with a small area of Northern Ireland also included.