Biosecurity ‘greatest weapon’ against avian flu, says DAERA minister
Northern Ireland is facing its third suspected case of notifiable avian influenza.
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.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
