Mr Morrissey said producers here have implemented extra measures such as the installation of water chlorination systems to ensure that the health status of Irish flocks is protected.

" Poultry producers meet the highest veterinary standards at all times, and are particularly vigilant at the moment to protect the health of their flocks , " stressed the IFA National Poultry Committee Chairman.

The confirmation of the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 Avian Influenza came about as a result of Defra ' s routine Avian Influenza surveillance programme.

No disease has been found in domestic birds , and a programme of surveillance is being carried out in the local wild bird population. There will be no culling of wild birds because such action may disperse birds further and would not aid control.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer , Fred Landeg stated , " While this is obviously unwelcome news , we have always said that Britain is at a constant low level of risk of introduction of Avian Influenza. Our message to all bird keepers , particularly those in the area , is that they must be vigilant , report any signs of disease immediately , and practice the highest levels of biosecurity. "

Officials from The Department of Agriculture , Fisheries and Food ' s National Disease Control Centre ( NDCC ) Management Committee have been in contact throughout the day with colleagues from Belfast , London and Brussels. It was noted that the British authorities have put in place the required EU control measures and have incorporated a Wild Bird Control Area and Monitoring Area , within which bird keepers are required to house birds or otherwise isolate them from contact with wild birds.

The Department of Agriculture , Fisheries and Food has taken expert ornithological advice from the National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS ) and Bird Watch Ireland on current migratory patterns of wild birds between Britain and Ireland. The most recent information available is that there is currently little migration and that the migratory pattern is stable and, as a result , risk to Ireland remains relatively low.

Department officials advised the Minister for Agriculture of the current situation and will continue to monitor developments in Dorset over the coming days.

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