Biosecurity is the greatest weapon to fight Avian Influenza - Muir
Date published:
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has said biosecurity is the greatest weapon we have to fight Avian Influenza, after another suspect case in a commercial premises is announced.
DAERA is investigating a third suspected case of notifiable Avian Influenza at a commercial poultry premises, near Cookstown, Co Tyrone, which was reported on Sunday 23 February. Preliminary test results indicate the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
In light of the initial positive findings, Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) have been established. The site has 32,000 birds and all poultry will be humanely culled.
Brian Dooher, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, decided to implement these measures after assessing several factors including observed clinical signs and preliminary test results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, stated: “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.
“Biosecurity is the greatest weapon we have to fight Avian Influenza. It is crucial that all bird keepers adhere to stringent biosecurity measures to protect their flock and report any suspicious cases immediately. I strongly encourage all bird keepers to familiarise themselves with the guidance provided by my Department.”
CVO, Brian Dooher, added: “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.”
Full details regarding the scope and required measures within the Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) are available on the DAERA website.
Notes to editors:
- 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.
- The Public Health Agency has confirmed Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The Food Standards Agency has also advised that Avian Influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
- Follow us on Twitter(external link opens in a new window / tab) and Facebook(external link opens in a new window / tab)
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
- 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.