The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed, Avian flu has been detected in a “small free-range turkey flock” in County Wicklow.
The risk to public health from the H5N8 strain of bird flu is classified as very low, with a very low food safety risk.
Avian influenza or “Bird Flu” is a contagious and often fatal viral disease of birds. Wild birds, particularly wild migratory water birds are considered to be the main reservoir of avian influenza viruses. There is a constant risk of avian influenza being introduced into Ireland from wild birds particularly from November onwards each year as this is when migratory birds arrive and congregate on wetlands, mixing with resident species.
“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 regional veterinary office.”