People travelling abroad warned to be vigilant of bird flu

The Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan moved to reassure the public this afternoon that the Government was prepared to tackle a possible outbreak of bird flu here.

Minister Coughlan said she was liaising with the Department of Health to ensure all eventualities were considered.

She said she expected experts to recommend a continuing ban on live poultry imports from Asian countries.

Nine people are being tested for bird flu in Turkey after a number of their pigeons died.

The Minister urged anyone travelling to be extra vigilant.

“People who travel to particular countries should make themselves known to the authorities at Dublin Airport,” she said.

“Most particularly it’s important for people travelling to these countries that they do not visit farms or visit any of the markets where live birds are present.”