THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture has confirmed that further tests on a flock of pheasants, some of which were diagnosed as having bird flu, have tested negative.

Tests on other pheasants from a flock of game birds in Barryroe, west Cork, were carried out after earlier laboratory tests found that a low pathogenic strain of the avian influenza virus was present in some birds in the batch at Clonakilty.

The Department said that the results confirmed the virus had not spread beyond the original infected flock, given that the Clonakilty birds were located in the same area as those tested in Barryroe.

The Barryroe birds had already been slaughtered as a precautionary measure.

A 1km temporary restriction zone, which had been put in place in Barryroe, pending the outcome of the laboratory tests, has now been lifted, meaning there are now no restrictions on the movement of animals or poultry within th eaffected area.

A temporary restriction zone in Clonakilty has been replaced by a ‘low pathogenic avian influenza restriction zone’, of 1km, which will remain in place for at least three weeks after the disinfection of the site has been completed.

“Although the Department will continue as it has done over the recent past to monitor the situation closely until the current restrictions in Clonakilty have been lifted permanently, the immediate cause for concern in relation to Avian Influenza has now eased,” the Department said.

Previously: Clonakilty bird flu “poses no risk to public health” >