Second Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Meath: Commercial Turkey Flock Infected Again This Week

Co Meath is facing a second outbreak of the highly pathogenic bird flu this week, affecting a commercial turkey flock. This confirmation came on Wednesday from the Department of Agriculture, following emergency measures imposed earlier at a turkey facility in Co Carlow.

Details of the Outbreak

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon underscored the persistent threat of avian influenza within the wild bird population. In response to the outbreak, restriction zones have been set up, which include:

• A 3km protection zone
• A 10km surveillance zone

Compulsory Housing Order for Poultry

To curb the risk of spreading bird flu, a compulsory housing order for all poultry and captive birds will be enacted, starting November 10th. According to Minister Heydon, this measure aims to protect the poultry industry and farmers’ livelihoods.

Health and Safety Advice

Dr. June Fanning, the chief veterinary officer at the Department of Agriculture, reassured the public that there is no immediate concern regarding turkey supply for Christmas. She indicated that the current strain of bird flu poses a low risk to human health. However, she advised the public to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds. The highly pathogenic nature of the virus poses serious threats to bird populations.

Biosecurity Measures

Dr. Fanning emphasized that housing birds alone does not guarantee complete protection from the virus. Each farm’s biosecurity measures are critical to mitigate risks. She noted that the current outbreak remains relatively small, but vigilance is crucial.

Minister Heydon echoed these sentiments, stating that the H5N1 avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk when poultry products are properly cooked. He reiterated the importance of strict biosecurity measures to defend against bird flu.

Impact on Free-Range and Organic Poultry

In light of the outbreak, regulations exist that allow for free-range and organic poultry to be housed indoors while maintaining their marketing classifications. Per EU regulations:

• Free-range poultry can still be labeled as such if confined for less than 12 weeks.
• Organic poultry and eggs can retain their status under specific conditions even during temporary confinement.

Ongoing Surveillance and Related Incidents

There have been over 40 confirmed cases of avian influenza in wild birds across Ireland this year. Recent incidents include a closure at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork due to virus detection, which is expected to last until the end of the month. The park faces potential financial losses estimated in the hundreds of thousands of euros.

Aileen Tennant, the park director, reported that 12 cases of bird flu were confirmed among their population, initially identified in greylag geese. Targeted measures have been implemented in consultation with the Department of Agriculture to manage the situation.