A third case of Avian Influenza (bird flu) H5N8 has been identified in Ireland, this time in a whooper swan found in Co. Tipperary, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.

It is understood that the swan was found in the Borrisokane area of the county.

This does not mean that the risk of introduction of the virus to poultry or other birds is confined to that immediate area, the Department has warned.

Last week, it was confirmed that a second case was identified in a wigeon in the Oranmore area of Co. Galway. The first case of the disease was identified in Co. Wexford, also in wigeon, over the Christmas period.

The Department emphasises the requirement to confine poultry and other birds, and to apply strict bio-security measures to prevent the introduction of avian influenza.

Poultry flocks across the country are at risk from introduction of the virus and flock owners are advised to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low.

The public is advised not to handle sick or dead birds. Department staff will continue to collect sufficient birds for testing to help understand how the disease is distributed geographically, in different species and over time.

To protect poultry from bird flu, backyard flock owners are being advised by the Department of Agriculture to prevent birds from coming into contact with potentially infected wild birds, their faeces and other secretions.

It advises that good bio-security measures will reduce the risk of introduction of avian influenza.