Signs that animals may be infected are swollen heads, discolouration of neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid.
If poultry flock owners have any suspicion that their flock may be infected, the Government is asking that they report their findings to their nearest Department Regional Veterinary Office.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD has made regulations requiring that flock keepers keep all their poultry and captive birds in a secure building so that other wild birds or animals won't have access to them.
These regulations came into force on Monday (22 November).
Members of the public are being advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the Regional Veterinary Office or contact the Department’s disease hotline on 01 492 8026.
