Avian flu confirmed in second turkey flock in Co Monaghan

The highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has been detected in samples from a second turkey flock in Co Monaghan.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed that test results on Tuesday had identified the disease and said a “slight extension” to existing restriction zones would be put in place.

Regulations stipulate that a protection zone of at least a 3km radius from an infected holding, as well as a surveillance zone of at least a 10km radius, be established. Unlike restriction zones put in place for foot-and-mouth disease, the 3km zone in this case restricts farm-to-farm contact. There are increased levels of testing in surveillance zones.

Earlier this month it emerged that thousands of turkeys would be culled on a Co Monaghan poultry farm after test results showed evidence of avian flu in some of the flock. The news raised concerns over the potential for further outbreaks in poultry farms in the run-up to Christmas.

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The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk to humans is very low. However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to keep dogs on leashs in areas where they have been found.

Movements of poultry and poultry products within and through protection zones is only permitted under licence from the department.

“The licence conditions are in place to help mitigate the risk of further spread. Poultry keepers with flocks located within the restriction zones are legally obliged to comply with zone requirements,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday night.

“Stringent biosecurity remains key to protecting poultry and captive bird flocks from disease. The Department continues to advise strict adherence to the precautionary measures against avian influenza (bird flu) recently introduced in regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.”

The regulations require flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession or under their control in a secure building to which wild birds, or other animals do not have access and to apply particular bio-security measures.

Poultry flock owners are also advised to remain vigilant for any signs of disease among their birds.