There are new fears over the supply of turkeys for Christmas after another flock was found to have avian flu.
Test results have identified evidence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in samples from a second group of turkeys in Co Monaghan.
A separate flock tested positive in the county earlier this month.
There is now a slight extension to the existing Avian Influenza restriction zones on foot of the news.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has said movements of poultry and poultry products within and through the zones is only permitted under licence from them. A statement from added: “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.”
Strict biosecurity remains key to protecting poultry and captive bird flocks from disease, the Department said, as it continues to advise strict adherence to the precautionary measures against bird flu recently introduced in regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
It added: “These regulations require all 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 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 the risk to humans is very low.
It comes after a top Irish poultry producer warned of a “high risk” turkey will be off the menu this Christmas due to the scare.
IFA’s John Curran told the Irish Mirror: “I would urge everyone to take precautions and it’s important to shop local where you can so you know exactly where your bird has come from.”
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