Coughlan warns against over-reaction to bird flu

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan has called on the public not to over-react in response to the threat of bird flu.

The deadly H5N1 strain of the virus has been detected in several EU countries, including Scotland, but Ms Couglan said today that there was no cause for public panic in Ireland.

She said tests were being carried out on dead birds every day, but so far, not one case of the virus had been detected on the island of Ireland.

Ms Coughlan insisted that the Government had adequate plans in place to deal with an outbreak and said it would be an over-reaction to tell poultry farmers to keep their flocks indoors.

"I think this is time for calm, for people to put matters in perspective," she said, "and if there's any change, I will take the necessary actions and decisions that will be needed."