Europe races to lock down poultry as bird flu takes hold

A surge in deadly bird flu cases in Europe has prompted more countries to confine millions of poultry indoors to shield them from infected wild birds, with

Ireland the latest to take action on Wednesday.



Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has been concerning for the poultry industry and governments since it led to the death of hundreds of millions of birds in recent years and spread to dairy cows in the U.S., disrupting supply, fueling food prices and posing a risk of human transmission.



Ireland on Wednesday imposed a nationwide housing order for poultry to protect them from bird flu after confirming its first outbreak in three years.