Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
375. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review of biosecurity practices that has taken place following the confirmation of two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N8 in the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35902/20]
View answerIreland is currently in the high risk period (October to April) for the introduction of Avian Influenza (AI) as a result of the migration of wild birds returning to overwinter from areas where AI is widespread. This year a particularly virulent form of the disease, known as Highly Pathogenic AI (HPAI) with subtype H5N8, has been confirmed in several species of wild birds on mainland Europe. There have also been confirmed cases in poultry flocks in the Netherlands, Germany and one in Cheshire in the UK. The virus can spread from the wild bird population to poultry farms, through direct contact and in particular through faeces from wild birds infected with the virus. While this subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, no human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low.
The risk of incursion of highly infectious and economically damaging diseases, such as HPAI, can be reduced through the practice of effective biosecurity at farm level. If consistently applied, biosecurity measures will help prevent disease, whether exotic to or endemic in Ireland, from entering a farm and from spreading within a farm. The strategy emphasises the importance of good biosecurity in protecting and improving animal health and welfare as well as contributing to good public health outcomes. The strategy will provide a road-map that seeks to ensure that good farm biosecurity is consistently practiced by all farmers at all times, and not just in the face of an immediate risk of a disease outbreak.
The Department is in close contact with industry stakeholders in relation to the strict bio-security measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into poultry and captive bird flocks. Flock owners are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.
My Department is currently finalising a National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy, which will be launched before the end of the year.
