Mandatory housing orders for all poultry and captive birds across Ireland have come into effect.
The decision follows an outbreak of avian influenza confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in County Carlow on Tuesday, as well as the temporary closure of Fota Wildlife Park in Cork due to cases detected among its animals, reports Breaking News.
Similar restrictions will also be introduced in Northern Ireland from Thursday, after two suspected outbreaks at commercial poultry farms in Tyrone and Fermanagh.
Under the new regulations, all bird owners must ensure their flocks are kept indoors in such a way that they have no contact with other poultry, captive birds, or wild birds, reports Breaking News.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the step was necessary “to reduce the threat to our industry and to our poultry farmers’ livelihoods”, reports Breaking News.
He added: “Biosecurity remains the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry, or between poultry flocks,” reports Breaking News.
The minister also noted there has been “strong and ongoing cooperation” between his department and their Northern Ireland counterparts.
The virus responsible for the disease, known as HPAI H5N1, has continued to circulate among wild bird populations throughout the past year, reports Breaking News.
Avian influenza spreads easily among birds, though health officials have stressed that the risk to humans from the current strain remains very low.
However, they have cautioned the public not to touch dead or sick birds and to report any sightings instead, reports Breaking News.
Authorities have also urged all bird owners to stay alert for signs of illness within their flocks. Symptoms can differ between species but may include swollen heads, neck and throat discolouration, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, and reduced egg production, reports Breaking News.
Any suspected cases should be reported to local regional veterinary offices.
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