'Good news' for Christmas dinner as farms avoid bird flu this year

The overall situation currently “looks good” and it is hoped an outbreak in poultry can be avoided — but Mr Corkery warns that “we can never be sure”.

Denise and Sean Healy with their turkeys in Carrignavar, Co Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Those hoping to have their turkey Christmas dinner next month will celebrate the “good news” that there have been no outbreaks of bird flu, in poultry in Ireland, so far this year.

In fact, there are fewer wild birds showing up positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Department of Agriculture senior superintending veterinary inspector Paul Corkery has told the Irish Examiner.