The introduction of new regulations for biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive birds have been announced today (Thursday, December 5), following the detection of avian influenza (bird flu) in a buzzard in Co. Galway.
Flock keepers will be required to apply particular biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive birds as a precautionary measure to help prevent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said these measures to reduce the risk of bird flu come into effect tomorrow, Friday, December 6, 2024.
As we enter the winter period, the risk of bird flu to Irish poultry has increased substantially. This is because of more wild birds migrating here, and the increased survival of the virus at cold temperatures, the DAFM said.
The most effective way to prevent an outbreak in poultry is strict biosecurity. This means taking all steps necessary to prevent any virus in the environment which may have been shed by infected wild birds from being brought into contact with poultry or kept birds.
This regulation now requires keepers of poultry and wild birds to implement these biosecurity measures, which will protect their flocks, their livelihoods and the wider poultry industry in Ireland.
For flocks of 350 birds or more, the implementation of further enhanced biosecurity measures by flock-owners is required, appropriate to their larger holdings, the DAFM said.
Bird flu
In recent months, there have been outbreaks of bird flu in poultry in many countries across Europe, with two cases in poultry in England in the past few weeks.
There have also been many incidents of bird flu virus being detected in wild birds in European countries, including along the coasts of northern France, western Great Britain, Norway and Iceland, emphasising the ongoing risk to Ireland.
All poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, maintain strict biosecurity measures, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest DAFM regional veterinary office (RVO), even if they only have one or two birds.
Clinical signs that poultry keepers should look for in their birds include a swollen head, discolouration of neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid – although these vary between species of bird.
Suspected cases
If you suspect disease in your own flock, notify the nearest RVO or ring the Avian Influenza Helpline on 01 607 2512 or outside-of-office hours on 01 492 8026.
If you find dead wild birds such as wild ducks, wild geese, swans, gulls or birds of prey, do not handle the birds. Report the findings to the DAFM as above.
Where the DAFM has sufficient epidemiological surveillance information in particular geographical areas, it will not necessarily collect dead birds for testing.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds, and to report any episodes of sick or dead wild birds to the RVO or contact the DAFM disease helpline on 01 492 8026.
The DAFM said it continues to closely monitor and assess the disease situation and is in regular contact with industry stakeholders.