A Laois turkey farm has been struck down after it was confirmed that the latest outbreak of bird flu has been recorded.
According to the Department of Agriculture, a farm near Ballybrittas is the latest to record cases of H5N1 avian influenza – with the cases confirmed on Friday, November 21.
This is the fourth farm in the Republic of Ireland and the sixth on the island to record cases.
This is the first outbreak in 11 days and will result in around 30,000 turkeys being destroyed.
Monaghan, Carlow and Meath were the locations where the farms with previous cases were detected.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said: “Unfortunately another outbreak of avian influenza has occurred, this time in a turkey flock in Co. Laois, detected on November 21.
“First and foremost, I want to express my sympathy with the flock owner concerned, and with the other flock owners who have been impacted by outbreaks in recent weeks in Co. Monaghan, Meath, and Carlow as well as staff in Fota Wildlife Park in Cork.
“This is a dynamic and evolving situation, particularly during the high-risk period for avian influenza and my department has moved swiftly to implement disease control measures in line with national and EU legislation.
“Restriction zones have been established around the affected turkey premises, with strict movement controls on the movements of poultry and poultry products. Veterinary investigations and surveillance are ongoing,” he said.
The minister introduced a mandatory housing order for poultry and captive birds and a ban on gatherings of birds from different holdings came on Monday, November 10.
“The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating is considered low for the general public, and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.
“I want to thank all flock owners for their ongoing cooperation and for adhering to the biosecurity and housing regulations in place. By working together, we can help protect our poultry sector during this challenging time.”
