Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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554. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of confirmed cases of avian influenza by county over the past period; the steps he is taking, or is considering, to address the potential threat that these recent cases might signal for the wider bird population and especially for the poultry sector of the agri-food industry; if there is a safe vaccination available to protect flocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Since December 2016 there have been 8 confirmed cases of the H5N8 strain of avian influenza in wild birds in Ireland.

On the 23 December last, my Department announced regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 requiring flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession or under their control in a secure building to which wild birds, or other animals do not have access, and to apply specific bio-security measures. This is the first time such action has been taken by this Department. The requirement to keep birds confined was extended on the 23 January and it will remain in place until further notice but will kept under review.

My Department has emphasised the need for flochowners to confine poultry and other birds and to apply strict bio-security measures to prevent the introduction of avian influenza.  Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office. Bird gatherings (shows, exhibitions and races) are permitted under general licence, subject to prior notification and certain bio security conditions.

In addition to the measures outlined above, my Department has has implemented the following various measures with a view to deal with the threat of this disease:

- Key stakeholders have been regularly updated on the current situation (including Department staff, all sectors of the poultry industry, poultry and general veterinary practitioners, wild bird organisations, public health officials etc.)

- A range of information and advice is provided on the Department’s website. Key biosecurity advice has also been published in the national press.

- An Avian Influenza Helpline has been activated to answer public enquires regarding the disease, and for the reporting of sick or dying birds.

- The Department has an early warning system for unusual mortalities in wild birds in place with Birdwatch Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the National Association of Regional Game Councils.

- The Department has a specialised culling team and protocols in place to protect both human health and the welfare of the birds, which will be implemented in the event that poultry flocks have to be culled.

Other measures e.g. a bans on hunting, release of game bird or pigeon racing have been considered and have been ruled out at this time. The Department continues to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and will introduce such measures as are considered appropriate.

There is currently no vaccine available for use on domestic poultry.