Poultry farmers urged to be on bird flu alert

Outbreaks of the virus have again surged in poultry flocks across Europe in recent weeks.

A case was also confirmed earlier this month at a farm in Yorkshire, England. The disease has also been detected in wild birds in Britain this autumn.

Cases in humans are very rare. Consumers have been assured that the disease poses no food safety risk and that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has urged poultry flock owners to be alert for an increased risk of the virus here.

“While we have not detected any such cases in Irish poultry or wild birds this year, the risk is now increasing.

“This is because wild birds are now migrating for the winter, while the colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours mean any avian influenza virus spread into the environment by infected wild birds can survive for longer.

“Poultry farmers and those with captive birds can take action to reduce the risk of their flocks becoming infected, and to protect the Irish poultry industry. Strict biosecurity is the single most important way to do this,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture has produced a biosecurity code of practice for poultry in conjunction with stakeholders.

Minister McConalogue said flock owners and those keeping captive birds should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks.

They should maintain the highest biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion, without delay, to their nearest Regional Veterinary Office.

Members of the public who may encounter sick or dead wild birds are advised not to handle any sick or dead birds and report the findings to their RVO or notify the Department.

An early warning system is in place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding surveillance for signs of disease in wild birds.

Minister McConalogue explained in replies to previous Dail questions that the Department’s primary function in relation to Avian Influenza is to help protect and control outbreaks of the disease in poultry and captive birds The Department takes its lead in matters of public health from the Department of Health and its agencies.

In matters relating to wildlife, it takes its lead from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and its agencies.

The poultry sector is a critical part of the rural economy. According to Teagasc, it produces 70 million chickens annually, four million turkeys and eggs from two million hens.

It is concentrated in two main areas – Cavan/Monaghan and Cork/Limerick – with other growers and producers scattered across the island Ibec, which represents the interests of the Irish poultry processing industry, says the sector delivers around €700 million in output and supports over 5,000 jobs.

Around 800 farms are involved in commercial poultry production in the Republic where the industry employs over 5,000 people directly and contributes more that €140m in wages.

According to ibec, the sector produces 170,000t of poultry meat and 900 million eggs annually and spends €400m on inputs annually.