There have been reports of numbers of wild birds contracting avian influenza. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that since 3 November 2021, 80 wild birds in Ireland have tested positive for the pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The DAFM noted that the environment may also be contaminated by wild bird droppings.
According to a department spokesperson, this indicates that infection pressure from bird flu on the wild population remains high. “This would mean a continued risk to poultry if they are exposed to wild birds or areas to which wild birds have had access,” the spokesperson added.
There were 11 cases detected between February 11 and March 25 this year. The department has stated that it is not possible at this time to state exactly when the confinement order imposed on domestic flocks may be lifted. This as regulations came into force last year, requiring flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession in a secure building.
Poultry owners are also being reminded of the importance of high levels of biosecurity to prevent further cases of the disease.
There have been no further outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in domestic poultry or captive birds since December 18, 2021.