Laois farm the fourth to be impacted by bird flu outbreak

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon: 'Unfortunately, another outbreak of avian influenza has occurred, this time in a turkey flock in Co Laois, detected on November 21.' File Picture: Andy Gibson.

A fourth outbreak of bird flu in a commercial turkey flock has been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture.

The farm near Ballybrittas, Co Laois, is believed to have up to 30,000 turkeys.

Restrictions, including a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone, have been put in place.

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said: "Unfortunately, another outbreak of avian influenza has occurred, this time in a turkey flock in Co Laois, detected on November 21.

"First and foremost, I want to express my sympathy with the flock owner concerned, and with the other flock owners who have been impacted by outbreaks in recent weeks in Co Monaghan, Meath, and Carlow, as well as staff in Fota Wildlife Park in Cork.

"This is a dynamic and evolving situation, particularly during the high-risk period for avian influenza. My department has moved swiftly to implement disease control measures in line with national and EU legislation."

Strict ‘Best practice’ mandatory biosecurity measures have been in place since November 1.

However, a vaccination programme for the poultry sector to combat the spread of bird flu has been ruled out by the Department of Agriculture.

The cost involved in rolling out such a vaccination programme, along with restrictions on the export of vaccinated poultry to certain countries, means the biosecurity measures are being relied upon to contain the virus.