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Warning as two cases of bird flu confirmed

Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, is to introduce regulations that require all poultry and captive birds to be confined in a secure building.

The regulations come into force on November 7 under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

The regulations are being treated as a precautionary measure against avian influenza.

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This measure was taken because of confirmation of disease in wild birds along the coast since July.

This includes two wild birds being confirmed with the disease along the Donegal coast.

The bird species were a Northern Gannet and a Guillemot.

The risk has increased due to colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours as well as recent confirmation of disease in a wild bird inland.

In addition, two outbreaks have been reported in captive bird flocks in coastal areas of counties Dublin and Wicklow where the disease had been confirmed previously in wild birds.

These findings highlight an increasing risk to all poultry flocks and captive birds and by extension the poultry industry.

Since October 2021 there have been 147 reported cases of the disease in Ireland.

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Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been identified in poultry flocks in Great Britain and a number of other European countries in recent weeks.

The Department previously introduced regulations on 19 September making it mandatory for all keepers of poultry and captive birds to adopt enhanced biosecurity measures for poultry and other captive birds.

Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.

It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk to humans associated with consumption of poultry or poultry products, including meat and eggs.

Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report them to the Regional Veterinary Office or notify the Dept of Agriculture through its Avian Influenza Wild Bird App.

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Donegal News is published by North West of Ireland Printing & Publishing Company Limited, trading as North-West News Group.
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