"While it remains unclear how big of an impact the outbreaks of bird flu will have on supply and prices, Mr Heydon said there are no concerns over consumers being put off from buying turkeys, leading to a fall in demand as we get closer to Christmas. "We've assured everybody that properly cooked poultry meat and egg products are perfectly safe to eat," he said. "There is the public health advice that if the public see a sick or dead bird, not to handle it, but instead to contact my Department though our regional veterinary offices or our emergency online numbers."
""It's allowed for in the legislation that when it's a mandatory housing order, that for a short period, that free-range status is maintained.""
"In the case of birds bred for meat, the free-range label can remain for 12 weeks. For eggs, the free-range label can remain for up to 16 weeks after the housing order is introduced."
A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds comes into effect on Monday November 10, requiring flocks to be housed or kept indoors to prevent contact with wild birds that may carry highly pathogenic avian influenza. Two confirmed outbreaks occurred on commercial turkey farms in Co Carlow and Co Meath, and the virus was found in dead birds at Fota Wildlife Park, prompting its closure until the end of the month. Legislation allows temporary retention of free-range labelling: 12 weeks for meat and up to 16 weeks for eggs. Properly cooked poultry meat and egg products are safe to eat. The public is advised not to handle sick or dead birds and to contact regional veterinary offices or emergency online numbers. The industry and veterinary services are working with Government to manage the outbreak.
Read at Irish Independent
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