There has been a suspected case of avian influenza (bird flu) on a commercial poultry farm in Co. Monaghan.

Agriland understands that samples have been taken from the site and have been sent to the laboratory for confirmation. Precautionary measures are understood to be taking place on the farm in the meantime.

This follows news last week of a suspected case near Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, which led to the culling of 64,000 birds at a commercial poultry premises, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The department is now awaiting the results of samples which have been sent for laboratory testing.

The department has put in place disease control measures for bird flu at the site of the suspected case near Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

This will include the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) in a bid to prevent any potential onward spread of the disease.

Since November 2024, there has been five cases of bird flu confirmed in in Ireland. Cases were confirmed in counties Galway and Dublin in December, and in Donegal, Westmeath, and Wexford during January.

As a result of the recent increased risk posed by the disease, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon announced the introduction of a compulsory housing order for poultry and captive birds.

The minister said he is taking this action to reduce the threat to the Irish poultry industry and to farmers’ livelihoods.

Poultry farmers have again been reminded about the importance of biosecurity when it comes to protecting against bird flu.

Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report any episodes of sick or dead wild birds to their Regional Veterinary Office.

Authorities have stated that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.