There are growing cases of bird flu in commercial poultry flocks in Ireland leading to large scale culls of turkeys, ducks and chickens in the run-up to Christmas.
And one public park in Belfast has been closed to the public after swans infected by the Avian flu became sick and died. The virus is carried by migratory birds at this time of year and has the potential to kill an entire flock within days.
The latest suspected cases of avian influenza have been identified in a commercial poultry flock near Markethill in County Armagh and a commercial duck flock in Coagh, County Tyrone.
The culling of the affected birds will now take place.
Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Robert Huey, said: “Unfortunately notifiable avian influenza is strongly suspected in two further commercial flocks in Northern Ireland. This is now not only the largest ever outbreak of HPAI in the UK, but also in Northern Ireland and we must do all we can to protect our flocks, protect our businesses and protect the economy.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is that flock keepers reassess all of their biosecurity measures immediately. Are they stringent enough? Are you reviewing them every day? What else can you do to prevent an incursion?”
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said: “We are at a critical point in the management of this outbreak. This strain of H5N1 spreads quickly and could wipe out an entire flock in a matter of days. I am urging all bird keepers to proactively assess your current biosecurity measures and re-double your efforts to keep this disease out of your flocks.
“Keep your flock housed, change your boots, wash your hands, wear disposable boiler suits, keep surrounding areas clean and only have essential vehicles coming on site – simple, repetitive steps will help protect your flock from Avian Flu.
“We have also received confirmation from the National Reference Lab that the cases in the commercial duck farm in Auchnacloy and the backyard flock keeper in Broughshane were both positive for HPAI H5N1. We cannot afford to be complacent and must act now to protect our flocks.”
