Avian influenza strain found in flock of farm turkeys in Co Wicklow

A small flock of FREE field turkeys in Co Wicklow has a confirmed infection with a subtype of avian influenza, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The Department has reported that the test results have identified evidence of N5N8 avian influenza in samples from the flock.

The risk to humans of the H5N8 subtype is considered very low.

Human infections with the subtype have not been reported worldwide.

However, it can cause serious illness in poultry and other birds.

Further tests are under way to determine pathogenicity in the flock. The Department expected to have results in the next few days.

The birds in question have been euthanized and avian influenza restriction zones are being established, along with additional protection and surveillance measures.

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry have also been identified in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Croatia and Ukraine in recent weeks.

The Department noted that there is no evidence of risk associated with consuming poultry meat or poultry products.

Poultry owners are asked to watch for any signs of disease in their flocks, to maintain strict biosecurity measures, and to report any suspected disease to the nearest Department Regional Veterinary Office.

Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report them to the Regional Veterinary Office or to contact the Department’s disease hotline at 1850-200456.