Poultry producers aren’t taking their eye off the ball with Christmas approaching, as Skeaghanore West Cork Farm are reminding customers to order early as bird flu restrictions will likely affect availability.

Skeaghanore are the second-largest duck producer in the country, and have imposed tight restrictions to protect the flock.

The reminder to support local and be prepared comes as a third outbreak of avian flu was confirmed earlier this week in a commercial turkey flock near Clontibret in Monaghan.

A three kilometre restriction zone was established around the affected holding, and a further 10 kilometre surveillance zone.

This follows two outbreaks in early November, in turkey flocks in both Meath and Carlow.

A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds came into effect on Monday November 10th.

These regulations also include a ban on gatherings of birds such as agricultural shows, fairs, or sales.

Clinical signs that poultry keepers should look for in their birds include a swollen head, discolouration of neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid, although these symptoms vary between species of bird.