The latest outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus was detected in a commercial turkey flock near Clontibret in Monaghan, and has been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture.
Restriction zones have been set up around the affected premises, including a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone.
It comes following confirmed outbreaks in turkey flocks in Co Carlow and Co Meath last week.
Following last week’s outbreaks, a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds was implemented and came into effect from Monday.
The regulations also include a ban on gatherings of birds from different premises, such as shows, fairs and sales, to protect birds from the risk of infection.
Bird flu poses a serious threat to wild birds and poultry farmers. Photo: Stock
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Monday, November 10th
“This third outbreak underlines the ongoing risk to poultry and captive birds of avian influenza,” Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said.
“We know the virus is circulating in wild birds across the country.
“The compulsory poultry biosecurity regulations and housing order, which I have introduced, will help to mitigate the ongoing risk, but a strict and meticulous attention to biosecurity by all those who keep poultry or captive birds is the best way to protect our flocks from further outbreaks during this very challenging higher risk winter period.
“I want to express my sympathies to the flock owners who have been affected by these outbreaks, and to thank poultry keepers nationally for their continued cooperation and strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity.”
The HSE has advised that the risk to public health from this strain of avian flu is very low.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds, and to report them to the Department of Agriculture’s avian check app.
All flock owners, regardless of the flock size, have been reminded by the Department to fully comply with housing and biosecurity regulations.
They have also been advised to “remain vigilant” of signs of disease and to report any suspicions of avian flu to their local veterinary office.
If making a report outside of business hours, the National Disease Emergency Hotline can be contacted on 01 492 8026.
Any unregistered poultry flocks, even small backyard flocks, must be registered with the Department of Agriculture.