Second outbreak of bird flu has been found in a Co Monaghan poultry flock

A second outbreak of bird flu has been found in a Co Monaghan poultry flock, this time among chickens, following the discovery of the disease in a turkey flock in the county last week.

Restriction zones have been set up within 3km of the south Monaghan outbreak near Shantonagh, and a 10km surveillance area has been declared to deal with the outbreaks.

Turkey farmers and the Department of Agriculture are closely monitoring flocks for further outbreaks of the avian influenza, H5N1, commonly known as “bird flu”.

Farmers should disinfect frequently, use protective clothing and reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination risks.

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The discovery now in two commercial flocks follows outbreaks in wild birds in Galway, Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Roscommon, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford in recent weeks.

Two wild birds captured in a Belfast waterworks in recent days have tested positive too, while there have been 17 confirmed cases found to date in Britain, though Northern Ireland has yet to have a case in a commercial flock.

Under new rules, all Northern Ireland birdkeepers – including poultry farmers, or those who keep birds as pets, or for any other reason – will be required to keep all of their birds indoors from November 29th.

The disease is thought to be spread by migrating wild birds as outbreaks have been noted across Europe in recent months. Because of this, free range turkey flocks are more at risk than those bred indoors in sheds.

The movement of poultry feed will not be restricted except in “suspect” or “infected” premises.

The disease is not harmful to humans, but is nearly always fatal to birds.

The public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds, including ducks, geese, swans, gulls or birds of prey, while poultry farmers should look out for signs of swelling and discolouration in their flocks.

The appearance of bird flu is particularly bad news for turkey farmers with a month to go until Christmas. Had it come a month later many flocks would have been slaughtered and on their way to butchers or supermarket shelves.

Announcing restrictions in the North on Wednesday, Stormont Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said they were based on sound expert advice following consultations with the industry.

“We have now discovered avian flu in two wild birds in Belfast – that tells us unequivocally that the disease is already here and in our wild bird population,” he said.

“Keeping it out of the commercial flocks is now down to our poultry sector and the measures they take to keep the disease out. Adhering to, and constant review of, all biosecurity measures is the best weapon we have.

“If avian influenza were to enter our NI flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy,” he said.