Avian Flu disease control restriction zones in place in Co Fermanagh

Disease control restriction zones have been put in place in County Fermanagh after the Republic of Ireland confirmed Avian Influenza H5N1 in samples from a commercial turkey flock in County Monaghan.

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Additional protection and surveillance measures are required around the infected premises to prevent onward disease spread.

Northern Ireland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Robert Huey said: “The infected premises lies close to the border between Monaghan and Fermanagh. As a consequence, DAERA is required in law to take appropriate disease control measures to mitigate for onward disease spread. Disease control zones have therefore been declared in that part of Northern Ireland which lies within 10km of the infected premises from 17:30hrs Sunday 13 November 2022.

“Premises within the zones will have to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, recording movements on/off holdings and a requirement to seek licensing for any movement of poultry or poultry-related products into or out of the zone.

“Certain moves will be permitted under a specific licence issued by the Department which must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance of any planned move.”

Apply for an Avian Influenza Movement Licence here.

For general enquiries, the movement licensing centre can be contacted at: MLC@daera-ni.gov.uk

Follow the biosecurity advice and guidance below to protect your flock. Complete your biosecurity checklist immediately and take steps to ensure no gaps exist.

Dr Huey added: “All flock keepers must take action now to review and, where necessary, 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 devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy. In addition, the negative financial and emotional impact on the individual farm family and business is something we have seen all too often with disease incursions and we must do everything we can to avoid this, particularly at this time of heightened risk.

“This incursion of H5N1 into a flock in County Monaghan must serve as a stark reminder that Avian Influenza is already present here. Officials will continue to work closely with poultry keepers and the wider industry as we work together to minimise the risk of any further incursions.”

DAERA reminds you that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to register their birds (unless they are kept within your own home). This enables us to contact you with important disease information giving you the best opportunity to protect your birds. You can use the online bird registration form available here. 

DAERA also encourages you to sign up to the text alert service simply by texting 'BIRDS OPT IN' to 07860 098672. This will allow you to receive immediate notification of any important disease information, allowing you to protect your flocks at the earliest opportunity. Text 'BIRDS OPT OUT' to 07860 098672, to STOP receiving these text messages.

Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must, by law, report it to their local DAERA Direct Office.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 are available here.
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3. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk.
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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