The industry was highly regulated and the welfare of their flocks was of great concern for the hundreds of families involved in the sector, he added.

Dr Eamonn O’Moore, director of national health protection with the HSE told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland that it was important to recognise that there was a risk in those occupations.

The Minister for Agriculture has issued housing orders for all poultry and captive birds

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has announced the introduction of a compulsory housing order for poultry and captive birds, to protect them from the risk of avian influenza.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Mr Sweetnam also urged farmers to immediately contact a vet and the Department of Agriculture if they suspect cases of avian flu.

An outbreak of avain flu has been confirmed at a commercial turkey flock in Co Carlow.

Fota Wildlife Park representatives said it is expected to remain closed for a minimum of another three weeks

Robert Fitzsimmons said he has been advised by local officials not to leave his turkeys outside

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, confirmed to The Echo on Tuesday evening that samples taken from captive birds which died at Fota Wildlife Park have tested positive for avian influenza virus.

Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said it highlighted that people cannot be complacent.

Cork City Council has indicated that bird flu has been detected following tests on a number of birds which were found dead at The Lough

Preliminary findings of bird flu have caused the introduction of a captive bird temporary control zone in Magherafelt.