Case of Bird Flu confirmed in wild duck in Wexford

The Department of Agriculture have confirmed that a case of avian influenza has been confirmed in a wild duck found in Wexford town just two days ago.

The department stated that the duck had contracted the H5N8 subtype of bird flu, and although alive when found, the wigeon was unable to fly.

The department have moved to reassure the public that there is no immediate risk to humans, as there have been no cases that have resulted in human infections worldwide.

“No human infections with this virus have been reported world-wide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low," read a statement from the department.

The department have warned that there is a serious chance of the disease spreading among poultry and other types of birds, with birds across the UK having been found with the same disease in recent weeks.

Michael Creed, the Minister for Agriculture, last week said that farmers should implement strict bio-security measures to ensure the disease doesn't spread, such as housing poultry.