Enhanced biosecurity measures due to avian flu

THE Department of Agriculture has announced regulations for keepers of poultry and other captive birds as a precautionary measure against avian flu. The measures come into effect on September 19.

Since July, over 80 wild birds were submitted to the department’s laboratories for testing. Almost 60 positive highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases were confirmed - all are subtype H5N1.

To date all but one have been seabirds, including gannets in counties Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Dublin, Donegal, Louth and Waterford, a raven in Kerry and a guillemot in Donegal.

These findings confirm that the avian influenza virus is currently circulating widely in the wild bird population in Ireland.

There have not been any outbreaks in poultry flocks at this time and strict biosecurity measures to prevent contact between kept and wild birds is key to protecting poultry and other captive birds.

The regulations require specific biosecurity measures to be implemented by the keepers of all poultry (and other captive bird) flocks, irrespective of size, to help mitigate the risk of infection.

Owners are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, to 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.

Although the HPAI H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported in the EU and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs are safe to eat.

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. An early warning system is in place with Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Association of Regional Game Councils with regard to surveillance for signs of disease in wild birds.