Bird flu threat - Import ban seals gap in our defences

THE ban imposed by Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan on the importation of live poultry from Britain for gatherings and shows in Ireland makes much sense.

Obviously, the outbreak in England means the risk of the disease arriving here is increased.

While the main threat is posed by migrating wild birds, the ban will seal a visible gap in Ireland’s defences against the potentially deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza.