Consumers told avian flu risk to Irish chickens ‘extremely slim’

CONSUMERS were assured yesterday that the risk to Irish chickens from avian flu is very small.

IFA Poultry Committee chairman Ned Morrissey said consumers should not be concerned about any risk from Irish products.

Most Irish commercial producers operate under a quality assurance scheme with high standards as well as strict Department of Agriculture and Food regulations, he said.

Mr Morrissey was speaking as industry sources reported that poultry sales in Ireland had fallen only slightly due to the avian flu scare. He said a migratory bird with avian influenza may well arrive here but the possibility of it getting into a poultry flock is extremely slim. Bio-secruity on poultry sites, which are enclosed units, is very good. Any commercial poultry flocks would be housed in any case. Prudent producers would have their poultry indoors already, he said.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan has set up an expert group to provide her with ongoing advice in relation to avian influenza control measures.

She said she would be asking the expert group to advise her of the circumstances in which it would be appropriate to require the compulsory housing of domestic poultry and other birds.

Such a measure is provided for in EU legislation where the risk to poultry is considered to be high.

Ms Coughlan urged owners to follow the biosecurity advice they had received from her department.

They should also plan now for the eventuality that compulsory housing will become necessary sooner or later, she said.