Press release
Restriction zones in place to protect sector as Avian Influenza H5N1 confirmed in Monaghan turkey flock
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed that test results have identified evidence of Avian Influenza H5N1 in samples from a turkey flock in Co. Monaghan. Further testing to determine the pathogenicity is being carried out and we expect to have results over the coming days.
The department has moved quickly to put in place Avian influenza restriction zones where additional protection and surveillance measures are required. Poultry keepers with flocks located within the restriction zones are legally obliged to comply with zone requirements.
The department continues to advise strict adherence to the precautionary measures against Avian Influenza (bird flu). Recently, and proactively, the Minister and the department introduced enhanced biosecurity and confinement regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
These Regulations require all flock keepers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures and 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.
Stringent biosecurity remains key to protecting poultry and captive bird flocks from disease. Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest department Regional Veterinary Office.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk to humans is considered to be very low.
However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to keep their dog on a leash in areas with sick or dead wild birds. It is important to note that there is no evidence of a human health risk associated with consumption of poultry meat, poultry meat products or eggs.
The department reinforces the need for vigilance and biosecurity and continues to closely monitor and assess the disease situation and is in regular contact with industry stakeholders.
The department has been liaising closely with the poultry industry in recent days and will continue to do so.
1. The Statutory Instruments are entitled Avian Influenza (Biosecurity measures) Regulations 2022 and Avian Influenza (Precautionary Confinement of Birds) Regulations 2022.
2. A protection zone of at least 3km radius from the infected holding and a surveillance zone of at least 10km radius will be put in place. A census of all holdings within the PZ and SZ will be conducted and licensing procedures put in place to control movements of live poultry, other captive birds, hatching and table eggs, used litter, manure and slurry from poultry holdings. There is no requirement to control the movement of poultry feed except to “suspect” or “infected” premises. However, biosecurity measures apply to the movement of feed delivery vehicles between poultry farms in the HPRZ.
3. Further information on avian influenza can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/50ce4-avian-influenza-bird-flu/
4. Clinical signs that poultry keepers should look for in their birds include sudden death, swollen head, discolouration of neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid – although these vary between species of bird.
5. If you suspect disease in your own flock, notify the nearest Regional Veterinary Office or ring the Avian Influenza Helpline: 01 607 2512 (Outside of Office hours: 01 492 8026).
6. A list of Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine offices and their contact details is available at: Contact the department.