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.

Basically, the threat posed by bird flu is two-fold. At one level it represents a serious economic risk to the poultry industry. However, as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern made clear, there are no difficulties with eating Irish poultry products.

From the perspective of human health, the risk is chiefly confined to those who come in contact with poultry and basic hygiene precautions are essential.

Since the threat comes mainly from migrating wild birds, especially during the cold winter months, there can be no guarantee against an outbreak here. But there’s no cause for panic.