Maximum Biosecurity Needed After Confirmed Case of Avian Flu in Cork
Following confirmation of a case of avian influenza in County Cork, the IFA Poultry Chair Nigel Sweetnam is urging all poultry farmers and keepers – commercial and backyard – to implement the strictest biosecurity measures immediately.
“Bird flu is arriving earlier this season and with greater intensity. Any potential gap in biosecurity is a risk to your flock, and the wider sector. I would ask everybody to act now and tighten up your biosecurity, if needed.”
Nigel Sweetnam, who sits on the Copa Cogeca Working Party for Poultry, shared the following context from Brussels:
“Avian influenza has returned with renewed force across Europe, prompting the Commission to prolong EU-wide emergency measures against HPAI until September 2026 and to update protection and surveillance zones in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Bulgaria after fresh outbreaks.”
The update highlights significant culls and restriction zones on the continent and warns that migratory birds will elevate risk through the Autumn. International agencies have also cautioned that spillover to mammals underscores the need for coordinated action and vigilance.
“In February, the IFA Poultry Committee hosted a practical biosecurity webinar and it is available to view here. Please rewatch the webinar for advice and guidance. Small improvements made now can prevent a catastrophic outbreak later.”
Members of the public are asked to follow official guidance: Do not touch or approach sick or dead wild birds and report findings to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) through the usual channels or your local Regional Veterinary Office.
