Minister McConalogue Introduces a Confinement Order Precautionary Measure Against Avian Influenza

IFA National Poultry Chair Nigel Sweetnam welcomes the Ministers announcement of the introduction of a housing order requiring flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession indoors from Monday, November 7th as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of HPAI. He said this is a practical step in reducing the risk of Avian Influenza entering commercial flocks.

DAFM’s press release read ‘This measure is being taken against a background of the confirmation of disease in wild birds along the coast since July, increasing risk levels due to colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours as well as recent confirmation of disease in a wild bird inland.

IFA National Poultry Chair Nigel Sweetnam said that heavy rainfall resulting in flooded land or new ponds could potentially bring wild birds in closer proximity to commercial farms.

Nigel Sweetnam said farmers, processors and packers alike must ensure the strictest biosecurity practices are followed. The housing order is a further precautionary measure which will help to protect birds and the farmers income.

The IFA National Poultry Vice Chair Brendan Soden said it is understood that although the disease can be a serious risk for disease in poultry, the risk of infections to humans in very low and there is no risk to humans associated with consumption of poultry meat or eggs.  

We ask members of the public not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report any sightings to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through its Avian Influenza helpline on 016072512 (Outside of Office hours: 014928026) or through its Avian Influenza Wild Bird App.