Bird flu been identified in a second turkey flock in Co Monaghan.
The Department of Agriculture today confirmed that test results have identified evidence of Avian Influenza H5N1 in samples from the second flock.
As a result the Avian Influenza restriction zones have been extended slightly in the county.
Around 3,800 turkeys were culled at a farm in Monaghan last week due to an outbreak which led to the enforcement of a protection zone of 3km and a surveillance zone of 10km in an effort to prevent any further spread of the bird flu. The zones have now been extended to the second farm.
Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Regional Veterinary Office.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk to humans is very low.
However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to keep their dog on a leash in areas with sick or dead wild birds. It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk associated with consumption of poultry meat, poultry meat products or eggs.
