It comes following an outbreak of the highly contagious disease amongst a flock of turkeys in Co Carlow which has led to the implementation of a 2km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the implicated farm.

This involves screening of birds by vets before being permitted entry, though Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said that the farm is a “small operation”, maintaining that “robust biosecurity” is essential during such outbreaks,

In recent months, there have also been several cases of avian flu detected in wild birds in Ireland, mainly sea birds in coastal areas.

Last month, around 23,000 chickens were culled at a commercial business in Omagh, Co Tyrone after suspected cases of the disease were detected.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - Wednesday, November 5

Nigel Sw

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