Walsh urges vigilance on bird flu

The general public was yesterday urged by Minister Joe Walsh to remain vigilant over the avian influenza outbreaks in the US, Canada and Asia.

EU Commission decisions banning the importation of live poultry and certain poultry products from the US, Canada and the affected countries in Asia remain in place. Experts report that there is no evidence of a human health dimension to the Canadian or US outbreaks.

Mr Walsh urged travellers to Canada, the US and Asia to avoid contact with poultry farms and to ensure they do not bring home poultry products in their personal baggage.