Avian Influenza Biosecurity

Avian Influenza, otherwise known as Bird Flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds. This disease poses a constant threat to the Irish Poultry industry. The threat is due to the migratory birds which pass over and settle in Ireland.

The virus can be spread from wild birds to poultry, directly or indirectly, i.e. via the environment. It is vital that ALL bird keepers remain vigilant to this threat and have strict biosecurity measures.

Discourage Wild Birds

• Maintain Perimeter Fences
• Avoid potholes/pools of water
• Consider wild bird deterrents

Feed & Water

• No feed or water should be given outdoors
• Where it is necessary, ensure it is covered from wild birds
• Clean up any feed spillages
• Ensure your Rodent Control Plan is up to date

Hygiene

• Good personal hygiene of staff must be maintained – Ensure there is sufficient hand washing facilities
• Personal Protective Equipment must be readily available
• Footdips should be refilled on a regular basis and kept covered to avoid dilution
• Keep concrete aprons washed and disinfected

Visitors

• No unnecessary visitors should be granted access
• Provide PPE for those who must come on site
• A wheel spray/dip should be available to use on vehicles entering the site
• A locked gate should be at the farm entrance

Premises Registration

• Any person who keeps or trades in poultry, regardless of size, must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
• This ensures that DAFM can contact poultry owners quickly in the event of an outbreak.

Notifiable Disease

• Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease
• If you suspect your birds are affected, please contact your regular veterinarian or notify DAFM immediately by contacting your local Regional Veterinary Office or call 1850 200 456.
• If you find an ill or dead wild bird, do not touch it but contact the local Regional Veterinary Office.

Download as a poster here Teagasc AI Biosecurity (PDF)

Further information:

Rebecca Tierney, Teagasc Poultry Advisor
E: Rebecca.Tierney@teagasc.ie
P: 049-4338666 | W: www.teagasc.ie