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Biosecurity ‘greatest weapon’ against avian flu, says DAERA minister
Northern Ireland is facing its third suspected case of notifiable avian influenza.
More suspected cases are appearing in Northern Ireland.

The minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has urged Northern Ireland to strictly follow required biosecurity rules as new cases are reported.

In a statement, Andrew Muir described biosecurity as the ‘greatest weapon’ against avian influenza, calling on bird keepers to familiarise themselves with the latest government guidance. Suspected avian influenza cases must be reported immediately.

The calls come as Northern Ireland faces a third suspected case of notifiable avian influenza.

DAERA is currently investigating commercial poultry premises near Cookstown, County Tyrone, where a suspected case was reported on Sunday, 23 February. Preliminary test results have indicated that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is present.

The findings have led DAERA to set up Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) in the area and all 32,000 birds on site have been humanely culled. Brian Dooher, chief veterinary officer, said the decision was based on observed clinical signs and the preliminary test results.

Mr Dooher said: “Disease control measures have been introduced to limit any potential spread of the disease.

“Bird keepers, whether commercial or backyard, must maintain high biosecurity standards and fully comply with all requirements that have been implemented to control this devastating disease.”

On 18 January, Northern Ireland announced an Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) across the country after DAERA identified the first case of avian influenza since 2023 in a wild goose. This was followed by mandatory housing measures on 17 February, requiring kept birds to be separate from wild birds.

Mr Muir said: “It has been a difficult week for the poultry sector with three commercial premises to have HPAI confirmed or suspected. My Department is urgently responding and carrying out robust disease control actions, including the humane culling of affected poultry and cleansing and disinfection.

“My Department will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders along with our counterparts in Great Britain and Ireland to stop the spread of this disease.”

Image © Shutterstock

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RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent

News Story 1
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase. 

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Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."