The Department of Agriculture today announced that it has confirmed that the avian influenza subtype H5N8 detected in the wild bird found in County Wexford on 28 December, is the highly pathogenic strain that has previously been confirmed in the UK and mainland Europe.
In a statement released this evening, the Department states that this is the only case detected in Ireland so far and say the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that the risk to humans is considered to be very low.
They added that they continue to monitor the situation and notes the deteriorating weather forecast for continental Europe this week.
Poultry flock owners are being reminded to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.
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