Further suspect notifiable Avian Influenza case under investigation near Pomeroy, Co Tyrone
Date published:
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is investigating a further suspected case of notifiable Avian Influenza in a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, Co Tyrone.
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. All poultry at the site 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.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, stated:
“A further suspect case of notifiable Avian Influenza was reported on Saturday 22 February at a commercial poultry premises with nearly 16,000 birds. Preliminary results suggesting HPAI. This suspected incursion following the recently confirmed case in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, reinforces that we cannot afford to be complacent. It is imperative that all bird owners adhere to stringent biosecurity measures to protect their flock and report any suspicious cases immediately.”
CVO Brian Dooher added: “The current disease control measures have been introduced to limit any potential spread of the disease. I urge all bird keepers, whether commercial or backyard, to maintain high biosecurity standards and fully comply with all requirements that have 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.
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