Avian flu found in Monaghan turkey herd

A protection zone with a radius of at least 3 km around the infected farm and a surveillance zone with a radius of at least 10 km will be established.

Further tests to determine pathogenicity are being conducted with results expected in the coming days.

Monaghan has a number of large poultry farms and poultry farmers with flocks located within the restricted zones are required by law to comply with zoning requirements.

There is no evidence of a risk to human health associated with the consumption of poultry meat, poultry meat products or eggs.

Following a spate of cases of wild bird flu in recent weeks, the Minister for Agriculture and Department has introduced enhanced biosecurity and containment regulations, requiring all flock keepers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures and all poultry and captive birds in their possession or under their control lock up a secure building where wild birds or other animals cannot enter.

The department also advises poultry flock owners to remain vigilant for signs of disease in their flocks and to report any suspected disease to the department’s nearest regional veterinary office, and said strict biosecurity remains key to protecting poultry and captive bird flocks from disease.

The Health Protection Surveillance Center has confirmed that while the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk to humans is estimated to be very low.

However, the public is advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to keep their dog on a leash in areas with sick or dead wild birds.

Clinical signs poultry farmers should look out for in their birds include sudden death, a swollen head, discolouration of the neck and throat, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, diarrhea and fewer eggs laid – although these vary by bird species.