An outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed on a commercial turkey farm in County Carlow, the first case on a commercial premises in the Republic of Ireland.
In response, the Department of Agriculture has put in place a three-kilometre protection zone and a ten-kilometre surveillance zone around the affected farm. This is part of efforts to contain the virus, which has been spreading through wild bird populations across Europe.
The virus is highly virulent and spreads quickly among birds, but authorities have reassured the public that there is no significant risk to human health. Both the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the European Centre for Disease Control have stated that the circulating strain of avian flu poses a very low risk to people.
Farmers and poultry owners are being reminded to strengthen biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. Biosecurity involves ensuring high hygiene standards, disinfecting equipment and restricting access to bird flocks. For smaller poultry farms, there is a call for all poultry to be housed indoors as an extra precaution. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has also called on the government to implement a nationwide poultry housing order.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds. If you come across a bird that appears unwell or deceased, report it to the Department of Agriculture using their Avian Check app or call the national disease emergency hotline.
