A local poultry farmer has said that the latest outbreaks of bird flu will not have an impact on turkey prices at Christmas.
Co. Cavan farmer Brendan Soden is the Irish Farmers' Association's poultry vice-chairman.
Last night, the Department of Agriculture confirmed a third case of bird flu, in a commercial turkey flock in Clontibret.
A 3km protection zone has been placed around the latest bird flu outbreak, while a national housing order remains in effect for the country.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Mr. Soden explained that there are around 4 million turkeys in Ireland, and that something catastrophic would have to happen to impact prices.
Mr.Soden said: "I think the figures quoted said that there are around 4 million turkeys grown every year. This is only a small proportion of that.
"At the moment no, not unless something catastrophic happens in the next couple of weeks. Fingers-crossed, we're hoping that that won't happen.
"There are only a small amount of people with 50 thousand turkeys gone out of the system at the minute, so wouldn't be concerned that way at the minute," Mr. Soden added.
