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31st December 2016
08:04am GMT
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine yesterday confirmed that bird flu has been found in a duck in Co. Wexford.
Avian influenza subtype H5N8 was found in the wild duck, a wigeon, which was found in Wexford Town on Wednesday, December 28.
The discovery comes one week after regulations were introduced by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 requiring the compulsory housing of poultry as a result of the increased threat of bird flu.
"The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low."
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
"The Department reiterates that strict bio-security measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into poultry and captive bird flocks. Flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office."
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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