We’re fully prepared for bird flu, says Coughlan

AGRICULTURE Minister Mary Coughlan said her department was fully prepared to deal with an outbreak of bird flu.

This follows confirmation yesterday that a dead swan found in Scotland has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.

But her assurance comes as tests are due to start in Belfast on four dead swans found in Newferry, Co Antrim, and on two swan carcasses from Moira, Co Down.

Ms Coughlan gave the assurance about the Republic’s readiness as calls were made to the Government to be more open about the steps it is taking to deal with a possible outbreak of the deadly strain.

An expert advisory group set up by Ms Coughlan in February with Professor Michael Monaghan from UCD’s faculty of veterinary medicine will meet today to assess the up-to-date situation.

The group, which includes veterinary, scientific and ornithological expertise, will review the current controls and consider whether any additional measures should now be put into place.

Ms Coughlan said any additional controls in light of the heightened risk here would be introduced without delay, in accordance with the department’s bird flu contingency plan.

Stressing that poultry is safe to eat if cooked properly, the minister said she had undertaken an initial assessment of the situation after being advised of the outbreak in Scotland.

This followed direct contacts between the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in London and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Ms Coughlan also confirmed her department has been participating in DEFRA’s bird flu exercise in Britain over the past two days.