Poultry producers on alert as bird flu detected

POULTRY producers in Ireland were urged last night to maintain the highest levels of vigilance after three swans were found dead in Dorset, Britain, with the lethal strain of bird flu.

Officials at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Dublin are monitoring developments and keeping existing contingency arrangements under review.

The department said it has taken ornithological advice from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Bird Watch Ireland on current migratory patterns between Britain and Ireland.

“There is currently little migration and the migratory pattern is stable and, as such, the risk to Ireland remains low,” it said.

However, the department reminded poultry flock owners of the need to exercise the highest standards of bio security.

It also confirmed its National Disease Control Centre management committee met yesterday to discuss the confirmation of the presence of high pathogenic H5N1 avian flu in three dead wild mute swans in Dorset.

Irish Farmers Association Poultry Committee chairman Ned Morrissey said the latest case of the disease in Britain reinforces the need for poultry growers here to remain vigilant.

He said producers here have implemented extra measures such as the installation of water chlorination systems to ensure the health status of their flocks is protected.

Mr Morrissey said flock owners are safeguarding their domestic flocks by having the highest levels of bio-security measures in place to avoid any exposure to wild birds.

“Poultry producers meet the highest veterinarystandards, and are particularly vigilant at the moment to protect the health of their flocks,” he said.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness said every effort needs to be made to ensure this virus does not spread to domestic foul.