Compulsory Housing for Poultry and Captive Birds in Ireland (Avian Influenza) - Frequently Raised Topics Dec 2020 Q1. Why has this measure been taken?
Answer:
• The H5N8 strain of avian influenza has been responsible for a number of outbreaks of “Bird Flu” in both poultry and wild birds in Europe since the end of October this year. It is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza which means that it causes severe disease and often death in infected birds. As of today’s date (21/12/2020) 12 countries in Europe have confirmed cases of the disease in poultry and/or wild birds, including the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.