The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine today confirmed that it has lifted the restrictions in the 1km zone which had been imposed following the single outbreak of (low pathogenic avian influenza) LPAI H5N2 in pheasants in a premises in Clonakilty in Co Cork.

Samples from the one commercial poultry holding within the 1 km zone taken during the 21 day period since the restriction zone was put in place have been negative for any virus and as there have been no new outbreaks of LPAI H5N2 in the restriction zone, all restrictions have been lifted with immediate effect.

The Department said the incident, notwithstanding the good outcome, was a reminder of the continued need for vigilance and good bio-security practices where poultry or other captive birds are concerned. Bio-security advice is available on the Department's website at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/avian_influenza/informationonthepoultryindustry/biosecurity/

Date Released: 24 April 2012