Avian Influenza Prevention Zone announced for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's first H5N1 case in two years was identified in a wild goose.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced in Northern Ireland, following the country’s first notifiable cases since 2023.
The AIPZ was enacted on Saturday, 18 January at 12.00pm after confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a wild bird.
Birdkeepers in Northern Ireland are now legally required to follow strict biosecurity measures. The rules apply to all birdkeepers, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or a hobby flock.
The case was identified on Wednesday, 15 January in a wild goose, which was found in Black Lough, Dungannon, County Tyrone.
This was followed by two additional cases, reported on Friday, 17 January. These were also confirmed to be two wild birds: a buzzard near Moira and a whooper swan in Portballintrae.
Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and birdkeepers are required to report any suspected cases to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. If a member of the public finds a dead wild bird, they must report them on the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) says that the AIPZ is vital to protect Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry. It says that poultry and egg production contributes over £600m to Northern Ireland’s economy, and is an important source of employment.
The biosecurity requirements state that poultry should be provided with food and water to which wild birds have no access. There are also mandatory rules for cleansing and disinfection.
As well as following the biosecurity measures, DAERA requires that birdkeepers register flocks of all sizes with them. This means that they will be able to contact birdkeepers directly with communications and updates.
Brian Dooher, chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland, said: “I would encourage all flock keepers, even if you keep just one bird, to improve biosecurity in order to prevent an incursion of the disease into our poultry flock.
“If avian influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.”
The AIPZ declaration can be found here.
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Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
