Ireland announces new biosecurity measures to combat bird flu risk

The Department of Agriculture in Ireland has announced new biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of bird flu among poultry. This follows the detection of the H5N1 virus in a buzzard in County Galway. Previously, Ireland had not reported any cases of bird flu this winter, making it unique in Europe. The new regulations require flock keepers to implement mandatory biosecurity practices. These measures aim to keep wild birds away from poultry and their food. The risk of avian flu increases during winter due to migratory birds and the virus's longer survival in cold temperatures.