Third bird flu outbreak confirmed in turkey farm in Co Monaghan

The latest case of the H5NI avian influenza was found near Clontibret. It follows two outbreaks last week in turkey flocks, both in Co Meath and Co Carlow. 

A third outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial turkey farm in Co Monaghan.

The latest case of the H5NI avian influenza was found near Clontibret. It follows two outbreaks last week in turkey flocks in Co Meath and Co Carlow. 

Restriction zones have since been established around the affected holding, consisting of a 3km protection zone as well as a 10km surveillance zone in line with national and EU legislation. 

It comes following the implementation of a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds, which took effect on Monday. This also includes a ban on gatherings of birds at shows, fairs and sales to protect them from the risk of infection. 

In a statement on Monday evening, Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, said the third outbreak underlines the "ongoing risk to poultry and captive birds of avian influenza".

"We know the virus is circulating in wild birds across the country. The compulsory poultry biosecurity regulations and housing order, which I have introduced, will help to mitigate the ongoing risk, but a strict and meticulous attention to biosecurity by all those who keep poultry or captive birds is the best way to protect our flocks from further outbreaks during this very challenging higher-risk winter period," he said. 

Flock owners are being urged to remain vigilant for any sign of disease and report any suspicions of avian flu to their local veterinary office. Members of the public are also being advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report them to the Department's AvianCheck app.