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An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in a flock of turkeys in Co Wicklow.
The news was announced in a statement issued by the Department of Agriculture late Thursday.
He confirmed the “evidence location” for H5N8 avian influenza in samples from a small flock of country turkeys.
The department said further tests have been conducted and results are expected in the coming days.
The birds in question have been euthanized and restriction zones have been established, along with more protection and surveillance measures.
A spokesperson said: “The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Navy has confirmed that test results have identified evidence of H5N8 avian influenza in samples from a small flock of turkeys outdoors in Co. Wicklow.”
“More tests are underway to determine pathogenicity and we expect to see results in the next few days.
“The birds have been euthanized and avian influenza restriction zones are being established where additional protection and surveillance measures will be implemented.
“As previously reported, highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in wild birds in several counties across the country.
“These findings pose a risk to all flocks of poultry and captive birds and, by extension, to the poultry industry.
“Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have also been identified in flocks of poultry in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Croatia and Ukraine in recent weeks. It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk associated with consumption of poultry meat or poultry meat products.
“The Department advises strict adherence to the precautionary measures against avian influenza (bird flu) recently introduced in the regulations of the Animal Health and Welfare Act of 2013.
“These regulations require that breeders of all flocks of poultry (and other captive birds) implement specific biosecurity measures, regardless of size, to help mitigate the risk of the virus and additional enhanced biosecurity measures to be implemented in flocks. 500 birds or more. “
He added: “Poultry owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, maintain strict biosecurity measures, and report any suspected disease to the nearest Department Regional Veterinary Office.
“The Center for Health Protection Surveillance 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 worldwide and, therefore, the risk for humans it is considered very low.
“However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the Regional Veterinary Office or contact the DAFM disease hotline at 1850 200456.
“There is an early warning system with Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Association of Regional Hunting Councils regarding surveillance for signs of disease in wild birds.
“The Department reinforces the need for surveillance and biosecurity and continues to closely monitor and assess the disease situation and is in regular contact with industry stakeholders.”
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