In what can only be described as potentially an agricultural disaster, the dreaded Bird Flu has been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture in a duck in Co. Wexford.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Friday announced that it had confirmed avian influenza subtype H5N8 in a variety of wild duck, known as a wigeon.
The bird was found alive but unable to fly in Wexford town on December 28th.
The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed introduced regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 requiring the compulsory housing of poultry as a result of the increased threat of the disease.
More tests are being carried out to determine whether the virus is the same highly pathogenic strain that is currently present in the UK and mainland Europe. The results of these tests will not be available until the middle of next week but are expected to come back equally positive.
The department have advised flock owners to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office immediately.