THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture is carrying out tests on a flock of pheasants found to be carrying avian flu in west Cork.
Preliminary tests have identified evidence of the Avian influenza virus in samples from pheasants in a small flock of some 100 game birds near Clonakilty in Cork.
The preliminary test results show that while it is what is called the H5 strain, it is not the most pathogenic H5N1 strain of the virus. Further tests are being carried out to establish the precise strain.
Results of the additional tests will be available within days and the department will review the measures being announced today on the basis of those results.
As a precautionary measure, the birds on the affected premises are being slaughtered and all necessary biosecurity measures have been put in place.
In line with established procedures and EU regulations, and as a further precautionary measure, a 1km avian influenza restriction zone has been put in place around the premises.
In this zone, additional surveillance is being undertaken by department veterinary staff, and the movement of poultry, other birds and their products and other animals on poultry holdings is not allowed, except under licence from the Regional Veterinary Office.
The department said: “It is important to note that there are no concerns relating to the consumption of poultry meat or poultry meat products and there are no restrictions on poultry movements outside the 1km restriction zone.”
While the department has ruled out the most highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza in this case, people who have contact with birds should still ensure that the appropriate biosecurity measures are in place, as set out in the Department of Agriculture guidelines.
Anyone who is in contact with poultry should check the birds regularly and if an unusually high number of sick or dead birds are found, they should notify their Regional Veterinary Office.
Irish Farmers’ Association president John Bryan said the Department of Agriculture had confirmed that the avian flu incident in Cork is not the virulent H5N1 strain of the virus.
Mr Bryan said the department had verified that all necessary precautionary measures had been put in place, including the 1km temporary restriction zone.
It also confirmed that the 100 pheasants of the gun club involved had been slaughtered as a precaution.
The IFA president said that poultry growers and their families should be extra vigilant in respect of their biosecurity measures.