British poultry banned from Irish fairs
Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan has banned the transport of British poultry to bird fairs in Ireland.
The measure is being introduced in response to an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus on a turkey farm in the Suffolk area.
The Food Safety Authority is reassuring consumers that the outbreak poses no risk whatsoever when eating properly cooked poultry.
Minister for Health Mary Harney has also said she is confident her department has the resources to deal with any possible mutation of the virus that could seriously affect human health.
Speaking in Dublin, meanwhile, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said Irish people had no cause for concern at present and the necessary precautions would be taken to prevent the spread of the illness.
