The Irish Government has agreed to provide financial support to its poultry flock owners impacted by avian influenza.

The decision was announced by the Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Barry Cowen.

As part of this initiative, Cowen has announced a once-off financial support scheme for several poultry flocks impacted by an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza this year.

Cowen said: “I want to acknowledge that the flock owners in question have taken the correct action in depopulating their flocks for the greater good of the sector.

“In light of the significant economic impact this has had on their business, I am pleased to be able to provide some assistance towards the costs of depopulation which they have incurred.”

Since February, a strain of avian influenza (subtype H6N1) is said to have impacted numerous poultry flocks in the country.

However, Cowen explained that the particular strain of avian influenza has no food safety effects but has the potential to affect flock productivity.