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A wild bird in Co Limerick has been confirmed with a subtype of avian influenza, the Department of Agriculture said.
The peregrine falcon has contracted the H5N8 avian influenza subtype and was sent to the Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory as part of the Department’s wild bird AI surveillance program.
The Center for Health Protection Surveillance said that although the H5N8 subtype can cause serious illness in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide, and therefore the risk to humans is considered very low.
Further tests are underway to determine if the virus is the same highly pathogenic strain that is currently present in Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany. The results of these tests will not be available until the end of next week.
The Department said it remains in close contact with industry stakeholders and that strict biosecurity measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of avian influenza to poultry and captive flocks of birds.
“Flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any suspected disease to the nearest Department Veterinary Office,” he said.
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