The Irish Times reports that an outbreak of low pathogenicity H6N1 avian influenza (AI) was diagnosed in a flock of laying hens in County Monaghan.  Three biologically contiguous flocks are under surveillance.

Veterinary authorities have imposed a quarantine on the affected area consistent with the directions of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) although the H6 strain involved is only reported annually.

It appears that H6N1 is fairly widespread having been diagnosed in adjoining Northern Ireland in addition to Scotland and England during recent weeks. This suggests that this AI strain is disseminated by migratory waterfowl. Outbreaks in the UK and Ireland are distinct from the H5N8 outbreaks diagnosed in Central and Eastern Europe.