Captive Bird Monitoring Zone put in place following confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in County Down

DAERA has introduced further disease control measures at Castle Espie, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Strangford Lough, following confirmation that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been found in captive birds at the site.

Following official laboratory results, a 3km Captive Bird Monitoring Zone (CBMZ) has now been put in place around the infected premises, whereby all poultry and captive birds must now be kept in secure housing or otherwise kept separate from wild birds.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has said; “The confirmation of HPAI H5N1 in captive birds at Castle Espie is extremely disappointing. No captive bird site or poultry premises is immune from a potential incursion of this terrible disease, and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action now to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”

Chief Veterinary Officer for NI, Dr Robert Huey, added: “Earlier this week I introduced a Temporary Control Zone at Castle Espie after initial test results suggested the presence of notifiable Avian Influenza (AI) in a captive flock. Following confirmation from the National Reference Laboratory that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N1 has been found, I have taken the decision to introduce further appropriate disease control measures and a 3km Captive Bird Monitoring Zone (CBMZ) has now been put in place around the infected premises.

“I would urge all flock keepers to take action to review and, where necessary, improve biosecurity in order to prevent further incursion of the disease. If Avian Influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland commercial flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade, and the wider economy.”

DAERA encourages anyone with their flock (however small) not already registered to ensure they do so with the Department so that we can reach you directly with future communications and updates. You can register by contacting your local DAERA Direct office or online via the DAERA website. You can also 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. This will allow you to receive immediate notification of any important disease information, allowing you to protect your flocks at the earliest opportunity.

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 UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that 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, in avian influenza incursions of this type, that there is a very low risk to public health from the consumption of properly cooked poultry meat or eggs provided appropriate hygiene measures are followed.
2. Tips on improving your biosecurity can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/biosecurity-checklist-and-biosecurity-guidance
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4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
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