The Irish Farmers Association has put poultry producers on red alert as bird flu strains emerge in Cavan and Dublin.
The news follows the discovery of a dead swan in Co Cavan who is suspected to have died from the illness. Scientists also detected a form of bird flu amongst a flock of gannets in Sutton last month. Neither of these bird types are poultry, but there is a likelihood that transmission could eventually extend to chickens and turkeys.
National poultry chairman of the IFA Nigel Sweetman says that there have been cases spotted routinely over autumn on the south coast, but that the latest development is the first one to occur inland. He said that high vigilance was needed to protect poultry such as turkeys from succumbing to the virus ahead of the festive season.
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Nigel told RTE’s Morning Ireland: “The virus is highly contagious especially if it gets into a house, which will pose a risk to indoor flock. It’s taken 47 million birds in Europe either through natural death or slaughter due to illness.”
The situation in Ireland is currently under review. Farmers are being cautioned by the IFA to keep wild birds off their site and adhere to safety measures to protect the poultry industry. The winter weather may serve as a deterrent to indoor birds going outside, which may reduce the risk of infection.
Poultry levels in the UK will likely be reduced by one third as a result of the outbreak and may affect consumption of turkey ahead of the Christmas season. The Department of Agriculture has not yet confirmed a plan of action but it is likely they will advise farmers to move bird flock indoors over the next few days.
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