06 December 2024
Measures to reduce risk of avian influenza come into effect
Following the detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus in a buzzard in Co. Galway this week, flock keepers are now required to apply particular biosecurity measures as a precautionary measure to help prevent outbreaks.
Announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the introduction of these new regulations come into effect from today, December 6, 2024.
As we enter the winter period, the Department notes, the risk of avian influenza to Irish poultry has increased substantially. This is because of more wild birds migrating here, and the increased survival of the virus at cold temperatures. Adding to this risk is the reporting of cases of infected wild birds along the coasts of northern France, western Great Britain, Norway and Iceland.
According to the Department, the most effective way to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry is strict biosecurity. This means taking all steps necessary to prevent any virus in the environment which may have been shed by infected wild birds from being brought into contact with poultry or kept birds.
This regulation now requires keepers of poultry and wild birds to implement these biosecurity measures, which will protect their flocks, their livelihoods and the wider poultry industry in Ireland. For flocks of 350 birds or more, the implementation of further enhanced biosecurity measures by flock-owners is required, appropriate to their larger holdings.
All poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion to their nearest department Regional Veterinary Office, even if they only have one or two birds.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report any episodes of sick or dead wild birds to the Regional Veterinary Office or contact the DAFM disease helpline on 014928026. The Department continues to closely monitor and assess the disease situation and is in regular contact with industry stakeholders.