Sunday, 21 November 2021
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirms avian influenza H5N1 identified in a turkey flock in Co. Monaghan
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed yesterday (20 November 2021) that test results have identified evidence of Avian Influenza H5N1 in samples from a turkey flock in Co. Monaghan. As a consequence, restriction zones are being set up around the area where additional movement control and surveillance measures will be put in place. The FSAI states that there is no evidence of risk associated with consumption of poultry meat or poultry meat products. Normal thorough cooking of poultry meat prior to consumption and good hygienic practices regarding handling of raw poultry meat should always be observed.
Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has already been confirmed in wild birds in a number of counties across the country in recent weeks. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been identified in poultry flocks in Italy, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Estonia, Czechia, Norway, Bulgaria, Belgium and the UK since early October. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported in Europe.
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 of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regional veterinary office.
Further information on avian influenza can be found at: gov.ie - avian influenza - bird flu
