A SECOND BIRD flu outbreak in a commercial turkey flock has been confirmed in Co Meath. 

It comes a day after the Department of Agriculture confirmed that an outbreak had occurred in a commercial turkey flock in Co Carlow.

Restriction zones have been put in place around both holdings to protect other flocks from the outbreaks.

This comprises a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone.

The second outbreak at a commercial turkey flock near Kells, Co Meath, follows the announcement of a compulsory housing order for all poultry and captive birds from Monday, 10 November. 

These regulations also include a ban on gatherings of birds from different premises, such as shows and fairs and sales, to protect the birds from the risk of infection.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said the second outbreak “underlines the ongoing presence of avian influenza in wild birds across the country”. 

More than 40 wild birds have been infected in Ireland this year, including 12 at Fota Wildlife Park recently, which prompted the attraction to close temporarily.

He thanked poultry keepers for their “continued cooperation and strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity during this high-risk period”. 

“Working together and following strict biosecurity procedures is the strongest defence to reduce the risk and safeguard our poultry sector,” Heydon added.

Earlier today, Heydon remarked that there has been “strong and ongoing cooperation” between his Department and counterparts in the North on the issue.

Similar measures are to be introduced in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

It comes amid reports that a flock of about 15,000 turkeys were to be culled in Co Fermanagh after a suspected case of bird flu was detected on a farm.

The culling of 12,000 chickens is also understood to be under way at a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, Co Tyrone.

Meanwhile, the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE-HPSC) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) advise that the risk to public health from the strain of bird flu that is circulating is very low.

However, the public is still advised, as always, not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the Department’s avian check app.