The highly dangerouts avian flu strain H5N1 strain has been detected in a wild bird in Oranmore the Department of Agriculture has said.
The peregrine falcon in Oranmore was submitted for testing to Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory as part of the Department’s wild bird AI surveillance programme.
The Department of Agriculture said that Ireland is in a high-risk period, lasting from October to April, for migratory birds to introduce highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the country.
This happens as will birds return to overwinter from areas where HPAI is widespread.
The Department has reiterated that strict bio-security measures are necessary to prevent avian flu from getting into poultry and captive bird flocks.
Flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.
This specific subtype, H5N1, can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds.
H5N1 has been confirmed in wild birds, poultry and captive birds in Great Britain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, Poland and Denmark since mid-October.
Human infection is extremely rare and no human infections with this virus have been reported in Europe this year.
Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs are safe to eat.
