Flock being restricted in Monaghan pending further tests

New measures to prevent against bird flu

A poultry flock in County Monaghan is being restricted pending further test results following a suspected case of bird flu in the Scotstown area of the county.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed on Friday that initial tests on samples taken from the flock returned negative for avian influenza virus.

A spokesperson said: "Further tests are underway. The flock will remain restricted until all test results are confirmed."

A national housing order and ban on gatherings of birds came into effect on Monday, February 17, in order to protect birds from the threat of avian influenza. This followed the introduction of poultry biosecurity regulations in early December.

The spokesperson further advises: "With the H5N1 virus circulating in wild birds across the island and a recent outbreak of avian influenza in Northern Ireland, it is vital that all those with poultry or captive birds take every step to protect them. Biosecurity is the most important tool to keep the virus out of a flock and prevent an outbreak."

All poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion to their nearest department Regional Veterinary Office, even if they only have one or two birds.

It should be noted that Avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk in relation to properly cooked eggs or poultry meat. However, the public are strongly advised not to touch or pick up dead wild birds, however, in case those wild birds were infected with avian influenza.