Further bird flu outbreak found on Carlow farm, as Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed until at least the end of November

""This outbreak is a reminder to us all of the importance of robust biosecurity. This is why I announced a biosecurity order that took effect last Saturday," Mr Heydon said."

""Strict biosecurity is the best defence we have against the threat of avian influenza. Thankfully, the disease poses no food safety risk to consumers of well-cooked poultry products, including eggs.""

""The park said it had taken the "difficult decision" to "humanely euthanise" 73 birds at the site.""

""This includes isolating the bird species in its care from the wild population, and the construction of temporary aviaries to house birds. This is being done to limit the risk of further infection from wild birds.""

Restriction zones have been established around the affected holding: a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone. A biosecurity order took effect last Saturday to strengthen disease prevention. The disease poses no food safety risk for consumers of well-cooked poultry products, including eggs. Fota Wildlife Park remains closed until at least the end of November after detection of avian flu, with closure first announced on October 14. Twelve cases have been confirmed within the park's collection. The park humanely euthanised 73 birds as a limited population management measure for non-endangered species and is implementing isolation and temporary aviaries in coordination with the Department of Agriculture.

Read at Irish Independent