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H5N1 outbreak confirmed in France
hens
Sequencing of the strain is now underway (stock photo).
Government activates emergency response plan
 
A case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed in France for the first time since 2007.

The outbreak involved a backyard flock of 32 hens in Dordogne, south-west France, according to a statement from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Symptoms first appeared on 14 November and the strain of the disease was confirmed this week by the National Agency Risk Assessment (Anses).

Sequencing of the strain is now underway but a statement from the French ministry of agriculture says it appears to be a strain already detected in Europe.

The country has activated its health emergency response plan, in line with European and international rules.

This includes a protection zone of 3km and a surveillance zone of 10km around the premises. Monitoring of farming and wildlife will also be strengthened.

All of the 22 infected birds died and the remaining 10 susceptible birds were destroyed.

Agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll also asked the country's director general to convene an emergency national guidance committee of animal health policy this week to mobilise stakeholders and ensure appropriate measures for protection and management are put in place.

Members of the public have been reminded that avian influenza is not transmitted to humans via meat, eggs and other food products.


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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.