Holly Cairns
Question:291. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to address the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. [47568/22]
View answerWednesday, 28 September 2022
Questions (291)
Written answers
Strict biosecurity remains the number one preventative measure to the introduction of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) into poultry and captive bird flocks. On Monday 19th inst. I introduced regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 requiring flock keepers to apply specific biosecurity measures against HPAI, irrespective of flock size. These measures apply to all flock owners, even if they only have one or two birds. To further enhance biosecurity in larger flocks there are additional measures in respect of flocks of 500 birds or more. These biosecurity measures help mitigate the risk of infection of poultry with the virus. Details of the regulations and guidance documents are published on my Department’s website.
In addition, my officials are advising poultry owners to be bio-security aware when returning from areas, both at home and abroad, where sick or dead wild birds have been present. Clothing and footwear worn in areas where sick or dead wild birds have been present should never be brought into contact with poultry without proper cleaning and disinfection as this may spread disease.
All poultry flock owners are being reminded to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Regional Veterinary Office.
My Department has implemented a comprehensive awareness programme on social media and is in regular contact with stakeholders: holding meetings, issuing regular updates on the AI situation in Ireland, the UK and continental Europe. In addition, a considerable amount of information and guidance has been published on my Department’s website, gov.ie/en/publication/50ce4-avian-influenza-bird-flu/, which is of use to both those involved in the poultry industry and members of the public
My Department liaises closely with the authorities in the UK and elsewhere in relation to monitoring and controlling avian influenza outbreaks.