Department warns Irish farmers to be alert for signs of bird flu following UK outbreak

The Department of Agriculture is warning all poultry farmers to be on the alert, following an outbreak of bird flu in England.

A three kilometre protection zone has been set up around a turkey farm in Lincolnshire where at least 5,000 animals have been infected.

The department says the H5N8 strain has been responsible for a number of outbreaks of disease in both wild birds and poultry in several European countries since the end of October.

It says any signs of disease must be reported to your nearest Department Veterinary Office immediately.