A further case of avian influenza – bird flu – has been detected on a commercial poultry farm in the Republic of Ireland, bringing to six the total number of cases of the disease on commercial enterprises.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) confirmed to Agriland that this sixth case was detected yesterday evening (Saturday, December 18).
It was identified at a commercial duck farm located in Emyvale, in north Co. Monaghan. This is the second commercial duck farm to be impacted recently by the disease.
It has been confirmed to Agriland that this sixth case is that of the highly pathogenic H5N1 variant.
This commercial duck farm is situated close to the Tyrone border, just south of Aughnacloy, in Co. Tyrone where 27,000 ducks were recently culled following a bird flu outbreak in a commercial flock there.
Five of the six cases have, so far, been in Co. Monaghan, while one has occurred in Co, Cavan, impacting commercial flocks of turkeys, hens and ducks.
IFA chair, national poultry committee (broiler producers), Andy Boylan, told Agriland that this disease is the “foot and mouth of the poultry sector”.
“We are extremely concerned at this time, this disease is putting severe pressure on farmers, especially at a time when we are under pressure financially in terms of all the other rising costs – energy, gas, everything,” he said.
He said the poultry sector is carrying the risk of this disease, adding that he doesn’t know how long it can continue.
Speaking last week, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said the DAFM is continuing to closely monitor the avian influenza situation and is maintaining close contact with stakeholders.
“My priority is working proactively with the sector to ensure that commercial flocks are protected,” McConalogue told Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy.
In a parliamentary question, Carthy called for all poultry farmers who cull flocks in response to an outbreak of bird flu to receive compensation in a “timely manner”.
In November 2021, the DAFM developed valuation tables, based on expert advice and input, on the most common species and types of poultry in Ireland.
Minister McConalogue said these tables will be used to “quickly and consistently” determine the compensation paid “in the case of an outbreak of poultry disease that necessitates a cull”.