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Northern Ireland bird keepers urged to prepare for avian flu
“Make improvements where possible to reduce the risk of transmission of disease to your flocks” – Brian Dooher.
Chief vet highlights importance of good biosecurity.

Bird keepers in Northern Ireland have been urged to prepare for the increased threat of avian influenza this winter.

The appeal, made by Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), comes after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was detected in commercial poultry at a premises in England.

The case, confirmed on 5 November by the UK chief veterinary officer, was the first case of avian influenza found in Great Britain since February.

According to the most recent Veterinary Risk Assessment for Northern Ireland, while the risk level of avian influenza for poultry flocks with suboptimal biosecurity is moderate, the risk level where biosecurity standards are high is low.

In response, DAERA is urging all bird keepers to follow high standards of biosecurity.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, said: “Given the positive wild bird findings at various locations across Great Britain over recent weeks, the start of winter migration, and now the first confirmed case of HPAI H5N5 in poultry in England this season, consistently high standards of biosecurity are essential.

“I encourage all owners of poultry, game or pet birds, whether you keep one bird or hundreds, to act now and carefully consider your biosecurity protection. Make improvements where possible to reduce the risk of transmission of disease to your flocks.

“If avian flu were to enter any flock, including backyard or hobby flocks, it would have a devastating effect on the poultry industry and would significantly impact international trade.”

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease in Northern Ireland. Anyone who suspects a case must report it to their local Divisional Veterinary Office.

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.