Wings are looking grim.. a guide to bird flu outbreak

THE Government has issued a compulsory housing order for all captive birds and poultry in an effort to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

- BY DAIRE FITTON

More commonly known as bird flu, the infection can rapidly spread throughout bird populations and is often fatal to affected birds.

The outbreak has led to the closure of Fota Wildlife Park in Co Cork until at least the end of this month, with park rangers electing to humanely euthanise more than 70 birds to prevent the spread of the infection.

A further 83 birds remain in isolation, and park management will reassess the situation at the end of the month.

TURKEYS

The outbreak has also raised concerns about a shortage of turkeys this Christmas.

Robert Fitzsimmons, who farms a flock of 3,000 turkeys near Midleton, said bird flu brings "devastation" to poultry businesses, and will be particularly serious if it spreads to other bird species here.

So, what exactly is bird flu? Can it be transmitted to humans? And what are the symptoms?

What is bird flu?

Bird flu is a type of influenza that primarily affects wild birds and poultry, with effects ranging from mild to severe depending on the strain. Th European Union is experiencing outbreaks of the virus, with 15 of the 27 member states experiencing a surge in deadly cases.